Dr. Joe Cooper is *absolutely* one of the most extraordinary doctors I've ever met in my life -- and I've met hundreds of doctors.
What makes Dr. Cooper extraordinary, is not only his ability to hear what a patient is telling him, but he truly absorbs what was said. I have a medical case that's like hitting a doctor over the head with a brick -- the information is shocking and it hurts. Over the years, it's frustrating to meet new doctors because I hate going through the 'getting to know you phase' when I desperately need help with something. I've long ago burned out on repeating the same facts (that don't even interest me) over and over again.
I met Dr. Cooper because I had hurt my knee when I was walking a pitbull that I was fostering (the dog saw a squirrel and lept one way and my knee went the other).
At first, understandably, Dr. Cooper was surprised by what I was saying about my medical history -- this is a normal reaction, my case is 1 in a million situation, so it's normal for a doctor to take a second to adjust their thinking when I'm talking with them.
What was extraordinary about Dr. Cooper: the day of the surgery Dr. Cooper brought a new PA in the room to meet me (the PA was also very nice, I can't remember her name.)
Then **magic** unfolded before me -- as I laid in the gurney, I listened to Dr. Cooper explain my medical case to the PA with complete attention to detail -- everything from the results of the imaging and bloodwork, then intertwined all of that medical information with my clinical history and atypical presentation, explaining why we were doing what we were doing.
In my entire career as a patient -- it goes back a few years -- I don't think I had ever heard a physician pick up all the information I throw at them -- rapid fire -- so quickly, process it, implement into their practice, then kindly -- compassionately -- share my medical case with another medical professional in a language both them, and I, could understand.
It was truly one of the most incredible moments of my medical life.
I wish I could bottle up the feeling I felt listening to Dr. Cooper, and save it for the days of excruciating loneliness and isolation I feel when I'm talking with doctors who dismiss what I'm saying (because the information doesn't make sense to them) or run away in fear.
Dr. Cooper is truly one of the most talented, gifted, and kind physicians I've ever had a chance to meet. We're all lucky he chose to go into medicine when he could have had a much easier life doing something else. Humanity is lucky to have him. Thank you. read more