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JB Braun
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CHOICE. Many would argue that it’s something that makes this country great. Others would say that choice only feeds those who seem to look for any excuse to be discontented. Still others would claim that it’s a prize available only to those of means and privilege.
Nearly 50 years ago, my parents had two choices when someone in the family needed medical care: Head to the emergency room, or assume the malady could be addressed with a new Band-Aid.
Back then, the insurance carrier required payment up front. After the proper forms were completed and the requirements were met, the insurance company refunded 80 percent of the expenses. With five active, sports-minded sons, Mom had to make some pretty dicey decisions as to whether a bone was broken, a cut needed stitches, or a warm forehead was really a fever. At 81, she frequently reminds me, “Getting old isn’t for sissies, son.”
Today, we’ve got choices. Lots and lots of choices. By way of an example, almost 800 of them are listed in our annual Top Doctors feature. This year’s directory is chock-full of doctors from a wide array of specialties and healthcare providers. Associate editor Melissa Jacobs worked closely with the community-relations teams at the hospital systems that serve our area to bring you our most comprehensive list yet.
Want even more choices? We’ve added a number of new categories, including a whole subsection devoted to pediatrics. If you don’t see your doctor in our directory, don’t hesitate to drop us a line to let us know why you think he or she should’ve made the cut.
The Top Doctors issue has always been a keeper. Readers routinely tell us they refer to it all year long. It’s no wonder Top Docs battles annually with our Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs issue as our top-selling magazine of the year.
As you might know, we’re proud of our active role in giving back to the community where we live, work and play. This past year, we’ve helped our friends at MusicWorks, the Devereux Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Women’s Committee of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Paoli Hospital Foundation, and others. As the holidays draw near, what better way to reflect on the choices you have available to improve the lives of others? In a few months, MLT will kick off its 20th anniversary with a series of initiatives highlighted by April 2016’s Main Line Today Cares event, where we’ll honor 20 local philanthropists. Do you know of someone who deserves consideration? Visit www.mainlinetoday.com/mlt-cares, and make it official.
Look for more details in the coming months.
