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Dr. Marvin Giddings has been practicing
pediatric medicine in this area for the past forty years. The doctor
gave us a big smile as we entered the South Florida Pediatric Partners
office. You can see at a glance that all those years medical practice
hasn't dampened the dedication or enthusiasm for his job. The waiting
room is pleasantly decorated. On the right wall is a large, colorful
painting of happy little animals.
The excellent team of pediatricians include,
Dr. Marvin Giddings, Dr. Charles Teebagy, Dr. Allen Furia and Dr.
Melanie Coombs. The medical staff includes, Marilyn Fox, Danielle
LaRocca, Sheryl Sloss, Cheryl Collins and Alethia Peterson
"Dr. Gidding and I have 1st, 2nd and 3rd
generation children coming to us. And that's probably the most rewarding
thing," explained Dr. Teebagy. "Patients that you've taken care a
generation ago think enough about you that they come with their
children, and on and on," he added.
Dr. Gidding noticed us eyeing a painting. "That original painting was on
the wall of the office of Dr. Dan Bussey back in 1962, and the painting
has traveled with us through all our moves. It's part of our history,"
said Dr. Giddings.
We asked Dr. Teebagy how the changes in
insurance rates has affected the medical practice. "There's a lot of
negative things we have in dealing with insurance companies, HMO's and
malpractice issues, but we work harder and do more. And we just have to
accept. That's the way it is and we do the best we can. We have not
changed the way we practice medicine. We're still old-fashioned.
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We still are sure to take time with our patients.
We have a lot of empathy. It's just a tough time we're in, but the
rewards that we get are very good and satisfying." With the threat of
malpractice suits so prevalent, we wondered what kept them going.
"The love of our patients keeps us going. We can
put up with the negative part of the practice because we love our
patients and care for them - and they care for us, really," said Dr.
Giddings.
Faye Griffin, Office Manager for the past
forty years, told us that loyal patients travel from miles around
including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Palm Beach. "They get used to
you," Dr. Teebagy chimed in. "They see somebody else and they don't feel
comfortable. I just had a patient call me from out of state that wanted
my advice about a breast feeding problem, so there are the rewards.
Dr. Melanie Coombs has just been with the
office for 4 years. "The doctors here are just a great bunch of guys!"
she said. Who would not agree?
Dr. Giddings reminded us that "We stayed in
the neighborhood, we built in the neighborhood, we practiced in the
neighborhood, we live in the neighborhood and we enjoy the neighborhood!
The are scores of people out there that would
love to see the South Florida Pediatric Partners remain a part of the
local landscape for generations to come.
South Florida Pediatric Partners |
