But, suppose the local physician vetoes the proposition, denounces it as a fraud, and declines to be associated with it. Is the patient’s business lost? Not at all. It merely calls for a little more diplomacy. After waiting a reasonable time, say a couple of weeks, without hearing from Mr. Smith, the latter gets another letter from Dr. Wilkinson. This time the specialist writes as follows:
G. H. WILKINSON, M.D.
SPECIALIST IN CHRONIC DISEASES
—— Michigan Avenue
Chicago, August 15, 1910.
Mr. John Smith, Godfrey’s Corners, Ia.
Dear Sir: Not having heard from you in response to my letter of August 2d, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that conditions are such as to make your coming to Chicago impossible. This is a matter of sincere regret to me as the case appears to be one of peculiar interest and, as a physician, I would like to have opportunity of advising myself more fully as to the exact conditions.
If you will send me the name and address of your family physician I will write him asking for the necessary information, and between us we may be able to do something for you at your home. While your letter is unusually full and complete, with the facts stated in an intelligent manner not customary with laymen, you will readily understand that there are some complications in nearly every case which are more readily described by a physician, and especially one who has been watching it faithfully for a long time.
Hoping to hear from you promptly, I am,
Very truly yours,