According to Wikipedia, “The Hippocratic Oath is an oath traditionally taken by physicians pertaining to the ethical practice of medicine. It is widely believed that the oath was written by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, in the 4th century BC, or by one of his students. Although mostly of historical and traditional value, the oath is considered a rite of passage for practitioners of medicine...”

…except for Dr. Katherine Schneebaum.

When I moved to New Jersey, I had to find a new Primary Care Physician, Heart Doctor and Dentist – because traveling all the way back to Brooklyn for a check up would be a pain. So after Google-searching “Doctors” in New Jersey, her name popped up – so having the flu – I called her and made an appointment.

After one examination, I found her to be thorough, professional – and attentive. She listened to my entire medical history, gave me a thorough examination – and even made sure before the end of my appointment that all of my questions were answered before the exam was complete. I was so impressed by her medical abilities – I even shook her hand and told her she was a great doctor. I saw her once after that for hives – and then called her and asked her to prescribe my heart pills over the phone to the pharmacy – which she did on my word without properly examining me. After those three instances – I thought I had a great doctor that I could trust…

…until I received this Certified letter yesterday:

“Dear Mr. Wein,

Due to insurmountable differences, our physician-patient relationship shall be terminated thirty (30) days from the date of this letter. This termination shall apply to all offices and physicians within Integrated Medical Alliance, P.A. (IMA) including, but not limited to, those offices listed in the margin of this letter. Prior to the termination date, we shall continue to provide you with all necessary emergency care and services. However, the provision of such service shall, in no way, evidence any intent to re-establish a physician-patient relationship.

We shall comply with all requests for access and transfer of your patient records in accordance with the New Jersey Board Of Medical Examiners Rules at N.J.A.C. 13:35-6.5. Therefore, any requests for a copy of your patient records or request to transfer your patient records must be made in writing and signed by you or your authorized representative.

Very truly yours

Katherine Schneebaum, M.D.”

What?

“Insurmountable differences?” What does that mean? And what kind of doctor does something like that? Furious after I got home and read it, this was my response:

“Dr. Schneebaum,

I received a call from my fiancé this afternoon telling me I received a notice that I had a Certified letter waiting for me at the Post Office. Not expecting one in the mail, I was very stressed all day at work because I did not know who it was from. Being a person with a heart condition, that is not very good for me. When I arrived at the Post Office this afternoon and discovered it was from you, I was surprised.

Upon opening the letter and reading it, I became furious. You go through the trouble of sending me a Certified letter to tell me that for “insurmountable differences,” you are terminating our patient-physician relationship? I have no idea what you mean by “insurmountable differences,” and quite frankly, I don’t care. What flabbergasts me is that you would turn your back on a patient that you know has a heart condition, and after seeing you only once, told you that you were a great doctor. How very unprofessional and unethical of you.

Expect me to file a formal complaint with the American Medical Association. I have seen many doctors in my life, but never one that would do something as ridiculous as this.

By the way “Doc,” I feel fine, but you and your actions make me sick.”

What else could I say? This doctor is a disgrace to anyone who has taken the Hippocratic oath. She should have her medical license revoked and spend the rest of her career changing bedpans as a nurse’s assistant. If anyone reading this lives in New Jersey and needs a doctor – don’t choose this one – because no matter how sick you are – she is the virus.

Dr. Schneebaum – I never do this in my columns – but fuck you.