Podolny Richard Dr

I have had a number of doctors throughout my life, and Dr Podolny is the best primary care physician I have ever had. I like that he makes the patient a part of the decision making process. I have already referred a number of my friends to him, and they are all equally impressed.

Best doctor I’ve ever had in my adult life. My pediatrician really was something special — but in a different way. It was time I found a «grown up» doctor, who could suit my new ‘needs.’ I tried out at LEAST 30… And I never thought I’d find the one. I couldn’t even get comfortable with a doctor! A GP is a big part of your life (remember this!) I tried to write it off like no big deal, I’m healthy and routine physicals are all I need. Settling for sub par. After having an issue with a doctor who didn’t want to work more than 10 hours a week (fine, but don’t carry a full time patient load!), and having major issues getting a routine prescription — it was time. And it was fate.
First impression was GREAT! He was very interested in me – sat and talked with me for over a ½ hour! Just asking me about my life, background. Getting to know me. Now that I know him, he wanted to know me so he could treat me holistically, as a «whole person» and so he could provide the best possible care by getting the «whole picture.» He would also become a confidant because that’s just the kind of doctor he is.
A few weeks after I started seeing him, I had a possible case of decompression sickness after SCUBA diving & piloting a plane shortly after. I called him about it, maybe stopped by for a chat and he called me later that night when I was out to eat with my then boyfriend (now husband). Doctor P (as we lovingly call him) left me a voicemail around 7p-​8p — checking to see if I was OKAY (!!!) This wasn’t a big deal to me at the time. I thought it was sweet. My husband pretty much flipped pancakes! Now that we are in the military medical care system, I completely understand why this was ‘weird’ or abnormal. My PCP on base barely knows my name, let alone my LIFE, let alone care much about my health, let alone take time out of her life — off the clock — to make sure I was okay.
My husband started paying out of pocket to see him, because that’s how great he is! My husband is not the type to pay out of pocket for medical care he could get for «free,» but you cannot get this kind of quality anywhere! ESPECIALLY the military, and especially if you’re active duty. And having chemistry with your doc is so important! You need to feel comfortable with them, because they NEED to know your whole life so they can give you the best treatment/​advice. For me, I was fully covered under HMSA and my husband (who was boyfriend at the time) military-​TRICARE prime.
Doctor Podolny has enriched our lives. He is a great doctor — but also counselor, mentor, friend … And HEALER. We go to him — now that we both have Tricare — for counseling sessions. He has introduced us to Non Violent Communication practice, ROLFING (look into this! Doctor P is a certified Rolfer — and a great one at that), sweat lodges (he built his own with some friends in pololo valley?) and opened our eyes to so much beauty & healing.
He can take care of your health stuff like an Allopath, treat you with the bedside manner of a competent/​loving friend, counsel you like a non-​judge mental Buddha, and leave you feeling great after a Rolfing session — like 1 million x better than a GREAT massage.
He’s also very well rounded. Into music, photography, Rolfing/​sweat lodges, natural healing, NVC and most things personal development. And he will invite you to a sweat lodge, encourage your personal development and educate you about mind-​body connection, Rolfing… And he will become a mirror so you can learn about YOU. He encouraged Rolfing for me (I don’t think he brought it up with my husband, at least yet?) and it changed my life. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover Rolfing, so he sent me to a friend of his. Doctor P wasn’t taking any new Rolfing patients, though I’m sure he would have worked me in. His friend was less expensive for me, at the time, and Dr. knew I would be more committed if it weren’t too much of a financial stress. But by «work me in,» I don’t mean overload himself where the care of me & his other patients would be compromised. Never! He would lengthen his schedule (only far enough so he wouldn’t burn out, because he understands if he is overworked, his patients are under cared for and our needs will not be met. Like, you gotta love yourself to love another. You have to have yourself together to treat others. And be well rested/​fit enough to handle the demands of being a primary care doc/​healer. And that is what is life is about.
Did I mention we now see him for counseling? My husband and I went through a few difficult times early in our relationship (family deaths, career transitions, etc) and Doctor P would talk to us on the phone, and console us like a wise friend/​elder. I’m not trying to put him on a pedestal — but he’s as modern day shaman as you can get. Also, his adorable assistant Melissa, has become a friend of ours. She is absolutely professional and a joy! Her & Doctor Podolny make a great little practice.