On April 17 there was a wonderful article in the Palm Beach Post about a very unique individual who unfortunately was taken from us way too soon. She was a stunning woman who was a dedicated and caring endocrinologist. Her name was Dr. Osa Nyman.
I first met her when I went to her about my weight problem. I had gained quite a bit at a certain point and had convinced myself that I had a thyroid problem like both my sister and mother had. She performed all three tests that determine whether a person has this disorder. When I returned to her office for a follow up visit and the results of the tests, she emphatically informed me that there was not the slightest indication of a thyroid problem and told me to go on a minimal calorie diet of no more 900 calories a day. Needless to say, that was not what I wanted to hear. I wanted a doctor to tell me that I had a problem, give me medication for it, and as a by-product, I would miraculously and effortlessly lose all my weight. But that was not Dr. Nyman’s style. She said it like it was in a no non-sense manner.
The next time I saw her was in connection with my husband’s illness. She became his endocrinologist and helped him to control his diabetes. No matter the time of day she was always there whenever he wound up being hospitalized My husband’s case was highly unusual with so many mitigating circumstances that it took forever to get under control, but she never stopped trying. She was that kind of doctor and that kind of woman.
I will never forget the very first time that I saw Dr. Nyman out of her office. She entered my husband’s hospital room dressed to the nines with chartrouse crocodile leather heels that matched her chartouse skirt, blouse and jacket, all topped off by a chartruse print scarf that she wore under the jacket collar. She was truly a breath of fresh air walking into the room! Like something right out of a fashion magazine.
At first I remember thinking to myself, ‘what right has any doctor got looking like a fashion plate, especially, when the patient and his or her caretaker usually look like hell?’ But then, I began to look forward to hearing the click-clack of her three and a half inch heels coming down the hall and anticipating what perfectly put-together outfit would walk through the door. I began to realize that the same meticulous care that she took with her patients spilled over into all facets of her life. And as we worked together to make my husband well I gained a tremendous admiration for this dedicated doctor.
Our second encounter came when my husband, who had literally been through the mill with his health,
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/emily-j-minor-remembers-a-courageous-doctor-who-569529.html?cxtype=rss_news&imw=Y
