3. Is O'Reilly a good/effective Doctor?

[Carol]

3. By many standards, Dr. O’Reilly’s medical practice is often unorthodox. Is he an effective physician? Is he a moral one? Have you ever known a doctor who resembled him? Would you trust O’Reilly with your own medical care?

[Pam]

In today’s litigious world he probably wouldn’t survive. He was practical, concerned and knowledgeable. He knew when to get a patient to the hospital, he took full responsibility for the woman with the thyroid issue that he failed to diagnose. If I lived out in the boonies, sure, I’d be comfortable with him as my doctor.

[M.E.]

I don't think his methods would fly in this day and age. Dr, O:Reilly knew when to get his patients into hospital and was dedicated to his them. He was working in a time period when a lot of people didn't trust doctors at all. I have never known a doctor like him. His crocked chair wasn't exactly a way of making a patient feel at home.

[Carol]

I've pondered Pam's and ME's thoughts that things may not work that well for him. Things I liked were that he had means and ways that seemed to work with his patients. Yes, Barry didn't appreciate it, and came to understand why certain procedures did work. I liked him, and I think I would trust him as my doctor if he was what was available during that period of time.

[Cindy]

He was a product of his time and place, for sure. This kind of doctor is gone now - at least in the USA. That's good in some ways, but sad in others.

[Chelsea]

I think he's a good physician, but like all doctors he can make mistakes. I liked that they mentioned that in the book. Moral? mmm... not with Bishop that's for sure! Broke a few codes there. I wonder if other doctors do the placebo effect like he does with the tonic? I've had my share of doctors in the past, and I'm not sure I'd choose him.

[Barb]

Clearly his style wouldn't make it in 2018 USA. But I imagine there were many a country doctor in days gone by who employed some of his tactics. But the doctor would truly have to know his patients in order for that to work. As far as mistakes... Mistakes are still made. However, diagnosing is much more accurate with today's technology.