So, have you ever heard of a hospitalist? At St. Joseph’s hospital in Bellingham, Washington, my mom received phenomenal care from a wonderful medical team, headed up by lead Hospitalist, Dr. Alex Viegas (shown at right). My mom says, “he was a very, very good doctor: intelligent, intuitive, patient, and practical.” This program was just what mom needed, as a person who found herself requiring medical care while far from home.

This concept provides for careful review and oversight of those patients who are without a primary physician or who, like we were, find themselves in medical hot water while far from home. My mom, Shirley, and I applaud this approach and truly appreciate the attention she received from the staff. Read more about the Hospitalist concept here.

The best news is that Mom was released today and we’re back in our hotel room tonight resting. She’s pooped, but we’ll move on tomorrow, either toward home or toward Orcas, depending on how she’s doing in the morning.

In another wonderful development, we learned at the hospital that several hotels nearby extend steep discounts to persons who find themselves in such situations. The Best Western Heritage Inn here in Bellingham graciously honored that policy and has given us a great rate, retroactive to the date when we first checked in. I hope I never forget that kindness. I recommend you stay there if you get to travel to this part of the country.