"My first impression of Dr. Marema was a great one. He caught my attention from the moment he started speaking. I haven't formally met him yet. That will take place at my pre-op appointment. I am looking forward to meeting him though. My impression hasn't changed yet. I sincerely don't think it will. From what I have heard, he is a great doctor. I will form my own opinion once I meet him. One of the nurses, Debbie Cox, is a great motivational speaker. She was very thorough in her educational class and information session. She let us all know that we were expected to get up out of bed and not complain about pain. After all, "no one has ever died from pain". She made no bones about what was expected before and after surgery and that all paperwork had to have every "t" crossed and every "i" dotted. These people do not take any chances with lives. They will make sure completely that surgery is the best answer for you before going through with it. The only thing that I did not like was the length of time it took to finally get the ball rolling. It took 4 1/2 half months to go through all of the testing and classes and 3 weeks to get approved and almost 3 weeks to get a surgery date. I know his office staff is very busy, but this could seriously discourage someone going through it. I don't know if maybe more help is needed, but it sometimes seemed as if the paperwork was just sitting on someone's desk. The whole process from the first visit with my PCP to pre-op has been 6 months. A long time to wait, but definitely worth it.
Dr. Marema and his nursing staff explained in great lengths the risk of surgery. He explained the importance of aftercare surgery and will only perform surgery with the promise that you will follow his program aftercare for life.
I can't really rate him yet. I better wait until my pre-op appointment.
I truly believe that both surgical competence and bedside manner are important.
1/29/01 - Well today I had my pre-op appointment. Needless to say I was a little disappointed. I expected Dr. Marema to spend a little more time with than he did. I've waited 6 months and have gone through all these tests and I saw him all of 10 minutes. I was comfortable with him and his bedside manner is great. Wish he spent a few more minutes with me. I am nervous!!!! "
