Robert K Gale, MD

This seems as appropriate a venue as any to sing the praises of Dr. Robert K. Gale, GP extraordinaire.
I think most of us have become so completely given over to the mediocrity that is managed care these days. Even the more highly-​recommended doctors from whom I’ve sought care strike that perfect balance between phoning it in and covering their asses. While those are two disparate-​sounding descriptors, it’s an accurate way to characterize the position of the patient – and when we don’t know what we’re missing, we’re apt to simply accept it and/​or never question it. I don’t hold any doctor completely to blame – this is how the insurance industry would have it; but doctors could do more to circumvent the impression.
Enter Dr. Gale. My husband tried to convince me for four years to try Dr. Gale after hearing me complain about my NYU-​based GP. He’d regale me with tales of being referred to Dr. Gale’s excellent derm, or the physical therapist, or some other specialist – all within the same practice. Tired of having to repeat your story over and over again as you move from your GP to a specialist? Try a practice that can keep you within it across a number of therapeutic areas. I thought that, as a woman, I wouldn’t appreciate having a male GP; now it doesn’t phase me in the least.
As practices go, Dr. Gale’s is run like a fine-​tuned engine. Diana is his gatekeeper, and she’ll do her level best to find you an appointment, 99% of the time, the same week – particularly if you’re in need. Follow-​up appointment slip your mind? You’ll get a card and a call from Diana. Need an appointment before work? How early would you like it? Blood test results? You’ll get a call from the doctor or a nurse without having to ask for it.
To Dr. Gale himself: I’ve known no other doctor with the tableside manner that he possesses. This is a man who will go the extra mile to make you feel both comfortable and informed. And from what I’ve observed in his care of other patients, I know him to be infinitely compassionate.
Another refreshing thing about Dr. Gale is his sense of the how to address how our lives really are, and what we’re capable of taking on. I feel completely free to tell him what I can and cannot do; his ability to advise based on that makes him so beyond an «authority in a white coat».
Reviewing a doctor is not like rating a restaurant, or singing the praises of your favorite shoe repair. Most doctors I’ve known didn’t merit my time or this level of praise (and in some cases, quite the opposite). I would want Dr. Gale managing my care, no matter what came my way. In my book, that’s high praise indeed.