Parker County Today Aug 2018 | Page 30

lenging about your work? The most rewarding? AM: I have always said being an OB/ GYN can be part of a woman’s best day of their life, or the worst day. And sometimes it all happens in the same day, only one room apart. It can be the highest highs and lowest lows, all in the same day. Most chal- lenging — not always being able to answer the question, “But why?” We learn many things in medical school, residency, and after being in private practice, but there are still some instances when tragedy strikes and despite all my garnered knowledge, I can’t fully explain it. All I can do is be there for my patient and care for her to the best of my ability and hope she knows she is not alone in her pain. We all feel it with her. The most rewarding — being able to help someone who was never really given that opportunity before, someone who wasn’t taken seriously or who didn’t have access to medical care. Seeing someone who has struggled with infertility finally achieve preg- nancy and ultimately a beautiful baby. Getting that young girl the surgery she desperately needed to remove the mass that had to come out. Actually figuring out the cause of the pain that’s been plaguing her and being able to treat it.  PCT: What should patients consider when choosing a physician? AM: Choose wisely. First you should feel comfortable with your physi- cian. You should feel safe and able to say anything you need to and you should feel heard, understood and most importantly, respected. I strongly believe that medical deci- sion making, when able, should be shared between patient and physi- cian. I am not a fan of paternalistic medicine, the doctor just telling the patient what they need, and that’s it. Rather I want my patients to be well informed, know what all their options are and make an educated decision together, based on what is best for the patient. Choose a physician that will listen more than talk; choose a physician that is honest and has high moral character; choose a physician that makes their patients’ needs their priority. PCT: Tell us about your family. AM: My #2 behind God. My “Why.” My world. My family is my favorite part of my day, even on those tough days. I have been married to my husband, Dustin Mikes, for 15 years and we are still madly in love. He knows me better than I know myself on most days and nothing keeps me more grounded than he does. We grew up together in La Vernia (he was my older brother’s best friend). He is a firefighter/paramedic work- ing for Dallas Fire Rescue, driving the truck, and also holds several side jobs in real estate, investing and roofing. We have three daughters together. Maddison is eight years old and going into 3rd grade at Brock Elementary. Macie is six years old and will be starting kindergarten at Brock Elementary this year. And Mia will be turning three in October and spends her days coloring and bossing the dog around. Dr. Mikes is currently accepting new patients. Call 817-599-7373 today for an appointment. orthington ur O e k a M ! y p p a H Pappy 28 Brookes Worthington and grandaughters, Tatum and Lyla Go see him at Worthington CDJR in Graha m Today. 1609 US-380 | Graham, Tx | 940.549.2020 | worthingtoncdjr.net