DR. DRINKWATER HAS RESIGNED FROM SNHMC!!!

I received a call from Jen earlier this afternoon and she gave me confirmation that Dr. D has resigned from SNHMC. In effect, the whole office at 10 Prospect Street will be closing! Jen is working right now on placing both pre and post op patients with other programs. The support group scheduled for 11/16 is still on - Dr. Drinkwater will be there as well as one of the nutritionists (Liz, I think) and the new facilitator. I am sure he will talk to us all then about his decision to leave. Doesn't appear to be much we can do to change the situation now. I wanted to post this message in case you have not received a call yet - I know everyone is concerned, disappointed, scared.....and waiting to see what happens.

Bonnie, I saw Dr. Drinkwater this morning and he told me he had accepted the other position. I told him as sad as I am to see him go, I wish nothing but the absolute best for him. I told him that he will leave MANY broken hearts and I could tell by his face that this was no easy decision for him. But, it was and is his personal decision. Can we really blame him? He deserves it! We all need to support him (and Jen) through this as much as they have supported all of us, both pre-op and post-op. While I feel for everyone in the program that is pre-op, I have to be happy for Dr. Drinkwater...we all know how incredible he is and now, people in MA will be finding out. I hope that the journey continues for you, even though it may be with another program. Hope to see you on the 16th. All my best to you, Hugs, Judy

Hi Judy Yes, I know how difficult this decision was for Dr. Drinkwater. When I met with him on Friday, both my husband and I were impressed with his sincerity and commitment to what is best for both himself AND his patients. His position at that meeting was that it wouldn't be ethical to perform WLS when he would not be able to personally make the commitment to the post op care of his patients. And I agree with him wholeheartedly! As sad as I am to lose Dr. Drinkwater - and as difficult as it will be to transfer to another program to have my surgery - I absolutely wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor. He is a young surgeon and to be offered a surgical chief position is such a huge opportunity - it would be a mistake for him to pass it up. I will continue my journey and will have my surgery with some other program and while I feel right now that I have lost the opportunity to have the BEST surgeon, I will certainly be placed in competent hands largely due to Dr. Drinkwater and Jen's efforts to appropriately place their pre ops. I will be at the meeting on the 16th and look forward to seeing you and everyone else there - if only to give Dr. Drinkwater a big round of applause for all that he has done and to Jen for her great support. Bonnie

I am sad to see him go too, but want what is best for him as well. I feel so lucky to have had him as my surgeon and am so glad I had my surgery 5 weeks ago. I feel for all the pre-ops. I saw him last Wednesday and he didn't say a word, must not have made any decisions then. Well, now I wont want to miss the next meeting!

I recieved my call today, about an hour ago, and I must say I am not really pleased, but have resigned myself to the facts that I am faced with. It seems to me Dr. D should/could/would have had some sense of moral/ethical responsibility to see those of us pre-op people through the surgery. After completing his current comittments to current patients, THEN pass us on to another program for follow-up. We have made considerable committment to his program, and him, and have been working so hard to satisfy all his requirements, it only seems fair that there be some commitment to us. His decision to leave makes me feel like his commitment doesnt extend beyond his salary, and I dont like that feeling. I am close to getting my date, and feel like the rug (with all my security, support and sense of continuity on it) is being pulled out from under me...It is one thing for post-op people to get to know another Dr. for after-care, I feel it is quite another thing all together to expect me to feel comfortable being shuffled off to another program in the middle of prep for surgery. Whatever. I'm determined to get this procedure done, whatever it takes. I wont let this sabotage my plans to take control of my life! I'm sorry if this is harsh and abrupt, but its my reaction. Hilary

Hi Hilary, As a post-op, I can only imagine your frustration and disappointment. I would most likely, feel exactly the same way. However, to suggest that he put his career on hold to "complete his commitments" with SNHMC patients is not a fair request. Dr. Drinkwater has to do what he has to do. He is a highly skilled, and obviously in demand, surgeon. This change in careers was undoubtedly one of the hardest decisions he has made and I am certain he feels bad about any pre-ops who haven't been able to have their surgeries yet. However, to ask that he wait, and not jump at what appears to be a fabulous opportunity, is unfair. I do feel for you, Hilary. Honestly, I do. And as I said, I would most likely feel as you do, should I have been in your shoes. I have grown to respect Dr. so much and I have the utmost respect and admiration for him, so I just felt like coming to his defense here. You are definitely entitled to your feelings and they are valid. I just wanted to point out that he has probably been very torn on what to do and I know the decision could not have been an easy one for him. I will miss him so very much and am scared about who will follow his patients, but I support him in whatever endeavors he takes on, and congratulate the facility in which he will start working, for hiring Dr. Drinkwater was the best decision they will ever have made. Hilary, hon, I sincerely wish you all the best in finding a new surgeon. Hang in there, as there may be a new surgeon hired to fill in for Dr. D at the Obesity Center. I don't know this for sure, but I would think they would jump to hire one, as this program has gotten quite large and the demand is there. Hugs, Denise

I have talked to Jen and she said we need to wait for Dr. Drinkwater's announcement on Nov. 16th to get all the details. From the notes from Bonnie and a few others, it looks as though he may be head of a surgical team, and he may not be doing gastric bypass himself anymore, BUT I'm not sure. It's also my undertanding that he MAY have more administrative duties, and less hands on, but AGAIN - I don't want to start rumors or make assumptions. I asked her what hospital, but we have to wait. We all need top be patient until we see him on Nov. 16th at our next Support Group. It's too late for petitions. He's made his decision. We will all miss him, but as stated in Jen's email ( the one I've posted ) , this was an offer that his family could not refuse. Some opportunities are too good to pass up. love you guys! Kym