Dr. Michael Errico, a Manhasset-based orthopedist for the past 52 years, admits he sees many of his patients at their absolute worst.  Banged-up bones. Swollen tendons. Torn cartilage.  Searing pain.  Tears.

This is real.  It’s raw.  It’s human.  It’s also a powerful reminder of our physical frailties. At any age.

Perhaps it’s because this former orthopedic surgeon is both a Julliard-trained pianist and a Renaissance man; invariably, I find myself calmer in his presence.  Dr. Errico’s demeanor is like a soothing balm.  He sees you.  He hears you.  He responds to patient’s questions simply and honestly.    He will call you back.

Here, at 585 Plandome Road, you are treated like a human being.  Not a nameless, faceless number.  Compare the average wait time of approximately 20 minutes to most other orthopedic offices where the expected wait time runs 2-3 hours.  Kindness can co-exist in an efficiently run orthopedic practice.   So can respect.  It’s a two-way street.

Not surprisingly, Dr. Errico’s dedicated front office staff and X-ray team, comprised of Vickie, Maryanne, Junior, Mike and Jody, reflect his patient-focused philosophy.

Vickie, who has worked with the doctor for over 35 years had this to say, “Dr. Errico has so much empathy for his patients.  You can easily see that from the lovingly written retirement letter he composed for his patients.  Most doctors would opt for a form letter.”

Below is an excerpt from Dr Errico’s farewell letter.

“I have been blessed with the most marvelous patients and I am humbled by the trust you have had in me.  I will cherish those memories of all of you forever.  Thank you for all you have done for me.  Lovingly, Dr. Errico”

Of course, no tribute to this fine physician would be complete without highlighting his association with the top area hospitals:  Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), St. Francis Hospital and North Shore University Hospital Manhasset.

Early in his surgical career, Dr. Errico was considered a general orthopedic surgeon.  In time, he transitioned to total joint replacement specializing in hips and knees.  Naturally, it’s no secret that trip and fall accidents are the bread and butter of any orthopedic practice.  After all, you play sports, you risk falling.  You maneuver icy sidewalks, you risk falling.  You climb stairs (a bit too fast), you risk falling.  We are, all of us, frail and flimsy creatures requiring orthopedic attention at some point in our lives.  Often at the most inopportune moments, too.

What about the other orthopedic offices I alluded to?  How many times have you approached the front desk of a medical office only to be met with completely impersonal, robotic-like instructions requesting you to “Fill out some forms.”  “Take a seat.”

Maybe they’ll get to you in a reasonable time frame.  Maybe they won’t.  No warmth.  No welcome.  No heart.  Frequently, no eye contact.

Bravo, Dr. Errico.  Bravo.  Yours will be a hard act to follow.  Maybe, just maybe, the next generation of orthopedic surgeons – those fine and dedicated doctors half your age — will take a lesson straight from your playbook.  For the past 52 years, our community has been a little bit brighter, a little bit kinder and a little more decent because you were in it.

Judy Shore Rosenthal

Great Neck