To the Editor:

One time, I had the misfortune of going to a doctor who looked everywhere but at me – even when he or I were talking. Later, another doctor told me this was a purposeful modus operandi. The less this doctor  looked at the patient, the less chance that the patient would ask any questions. The goal was to get the person in and out of the room as quickly as possible. Then there was the doctor who was so belligerent, when asking her a question I was afraid I'd be leaving in worst condition than when arriving.

When I first went to Dr Paul Fitch's office here in Newtown, I didn't know what to expect. The outer room was filled with patients. No one seemed to be upset about waiting.

They all knew he was just following his own modus operandi: Providing a very thorough, thoughtful and caring examination. He would spend just as much time with everyone in the waiting room, so the delay was expected and accepted. 

Dr Fitch's thoroughness found a health problem in myself that could have been serious if left undiagnosed.  His commitment to going to conferences and reading the latest medical journals helped him recognize that my son had a condition recently discovered by doctors at the Connecticut Children's Hospital. 

Dr Fitch is closing his private practice due to rising business expenses and shrinking government and insurance reimbursements. He is joining a larger office in Torrington. He has truly been a valuable asset to Newtown, and I'm sorry to see him go. I thank him for his care and wish him all the best in the future.

Sharon L. Cohen

8 Eden Hill Road,  Newtown                    May 7, 2013