(Not) Saying Goodbye to Dr. Jeff

For the past 12 years, Caring for Ages readers have looked forward to “Dear Dr. Jeff” columns. In his dozens of articles, Jeffrey Nichols, MD, CMD, addressed issues both common and controversial, public personal, clinical operational. “I loved what he had say — always practical wisdom with a bit an edge at times. He is good communicator listener, which important writer clinician. It’s no wonder that column has been so consistently popular,” said Karl Steinberg, HDMC, president AMDA – The Society Post-Acute Long-Term Care Medicine former editor in chief Caring. Nichols said, “It was my intention be useful practical, not academic. I wanted provide information people field could turn into practice.” actually started years before Dave David Brechtelsbauer, who from 2006 2009. “When started, mind do something real our were facing,” recalls Brechtelsbauer. admits didn’t submit as many ideas topics hoped. However, would go meetings, ‘You’re Dave!’ That pleasant surprise.” Although writing satisfying, Brechtelsbauer it also challenging. like having mortgage payment. deadline came sooner than ready every month.” When turned over cautioned him feel bad if lot questions address articles. Today, noted, “His first thing read when get copy think he’s much better me.” really liked Dave’s column. in-the-trenches, personal approach. partly model followed.” Clearly, it’s one worked. As Daniel Haimowitz, served on Caring’s editorial advisory board “For people, identity connected this Dave, then Jeff. about they yeoman’s work useful, worthwhile, focus relevant topics.” added, “It’s news you can use; did single month years. amazing.” tremendous effort put apparent readers. Paige Hector, LMSW, another columnist publication’s marveled depth research did. advocated everyone. brought own experiences bear well other peoples’ perspectives values. This approach made very unique valuable column.” Nichols’s take wide array survey challenges, falls, care transitions, diet appetite, trauma-informed care, communication, vaccines, more won fans. 2017 readership survey, Jeff identified second most-read section publication. “I’m just shocked how flattering tell me it,” observed. everyone loves “I’ve received few angry responses columns, where wrong something; I’ve come back sources.” make serious ensure piece articles correct validated.” Steinberg “He shy away controversial issues. treated them gently but assertively. wasn’t afraid draw line sand. That’s want opinion column, that’s loved.” studied history graduate school, still studying past. Sometimes comes example, found all incredible evolution railroad system America. While tracks may look same or similar us, reality there generic size, different tracks/systems developed gauges, electric train sets today; so, instance, can’t run NYC subway #2 A-train track.” “You ask, ‘Who this?’ But it, electronic health records [EHRs] created. There ‘gauge,’ don’t necessarily connect enable interoperability.” And that, became know best favorite interesting,” noted. enjoyed historical perspectives. [unusual] facts, somehow fit topic. that.” popular because authenticity, humor, wisdom,” said. At time, “If young practitioners month, kindly, experienced, wise mentor.” intensely satisfying help educate younger practitioners. Teaching part life.” Rajeev Kumar, FACP, medical officer Symbria Illinois current secretary Society, reading since beginning career involvement Society. “The struck chord. They thought out researched, comprehensive, easy-to-understand fashion. columns felt conversational.” Quite Nichols’ resonated Kumar. “One falls subdural hematoma. It recent case we facility, article experienced.” “Everything talked article. reaffirmed wonderful see personally relevant.” Kumar “Dr. geriatrician, followed footsteps. We small things little details are patients. ‘Dear Jeff’ try emulate Long-time member past-president Steven Levenson, will fall. problem-solving aspects direction overlap role Many residents’ problems aren’t medical, psychosocial, behavioral, financial. Instead, combination things. pulled together continue done.” Levenson plan laying scenarios bring experience views entire surveys, rely process us right is. regulations sometimes harder thing, impossible. teams others need overreliance OBRA guide competent practice. reevaluate meaning impact regulations.” He’ll these Instead trying reinvent wheel, wants basics foundations quality patient care. “In hope emphasize continuity. talk fundamentals apply.” “We going miss wit, commonsense geriatrics, solutions challenges face. We’ll presence Caring,” isn’t away: myself retiring any time soon,” Additionally, taken treasurer New York Medical Directors Association, position held several working creating caregiver support program individuals caring dementia. paying tribute ends somewhat embarrassing pleased able difference. overall done improve American nursing homes. Ms. Hector won’t goodbye. express gratitude shared impacted world long-term care.” Senior contributing Joanne Kaldy freelance Harrisburg, PA, communications consultant organizations.