I had a pretty cool day in the cardiology office last week.

My last patient of the day was a referral for palpitations. She had been worried for months, tearful, and looking for answers.

Consumed with fear of disease, she had withdrawn from those around her. I ordered a Holter monitor, a couple labs, and invited her to join me at our next Walk with a Doc. She smiled, became more engaged, and asked what time we start.

We’re facing an epidemic of social isolation. Who in the world wants to be lonely? It sucks.

At the end of our office visits, my nurse and I spend 5 seconds inviting our patients to Walk with a Doc.

5 seconds.

Hold on, let me get on this soapbox for a second…

Studies have shown for a long time that those involved in faith-based organizations, book clubs, golfing foursomes, quilt groups, etc., live longer, happier, healthier lives than those who don’t.

What I LOVE about our Walk Leaders is that they are providing the group activity.

The office goodbye cannot continue to be, “Here’s your 6-month follow-up card. Have a good winter.”

The correct office goodbye is now, “I want you in our club. You are important to me. I will see you at the Walk.”

How can that not be the right answer?

I LOVE that this crew is not okay with that old standard. Those days have passed. They want a solution that works, now.

The time has come for doctors to offer a simple solution that works.

It is an honor and a privilege for us to be in this position.

Now, let’s be doctors and turn this thing around.

-David