I have a conversation about today’s youth periodically with a former colleague who teaches at the City University of NY. The gist of our talks usually results in our unfavorably comparing today’s college kids with those of our youth. I think it’s what the older generation does. We look back through rose colored glasses and see only the positive. But I recall all the times I was late with term papers, cut classes, didn’t read assigned texts, etc. And let’s not even discuss my work ethic. I didn’t really “get it” until I was in my mid twenties and out in the world where one’s performance is judged by different standards.

I’ve found that medical support staff is mostly comprised of twenty somethings with poor communication skills and a pretty crappy work ethic. They’re mostly marking time. I think if a doctor is cutting corners and doesn’t hire a PA or a nurse to field patients’ questions, you are at the mercy of nail polishers, text messagers, cell phoners, etal. Maybe that’s a reason to look elsewhere. NYC has tons of mds.

Melody, I too cringe when I recall how unfeeling I was towards the elderly when I was a 25 year old hotshot. I remember being so annoyed when older shoppers in supermarkets who couldn’t make out the prices had “the nerve to ask me to read it for them.” No one ever taught me about having some compassion for those with failing vision, poor hearing, etc. The only lessons I learned were from achieving some maturity and then having those self same disabilities.

But the bottom line: if Dr. J’s support staff are so clueless, shouldn’t I try to find someone whose gatekeepers may be slackers but at least are civil. And maybe their incivility runs from the top down.

Mrs. D, I think these two airheads are indeed on a power trip. They have to get their jollies somewhere; why not get them at the expense of sick people?