An Interview With Dr. John L. Goodman, Concerning Hernias, Gall Bladder Surgery, And The Everett Clinic

Overview

Everett Clinic surgeons work in surgery centers with advanced technology, including 3D image guided surgery and laparoscopic capabilities. Some laparoscopic surgeons, such as Dr. Goodman, specialize in minimally invasive procedures for gallbladder and hernia surgery. In this interview, Dr. Goodman addresses gall bladder surgery, The Everett Clinic, and communication with patients.

Interview with Dr. John Goodman, MD, The Everett Clinic

INTERVIEWER: What anxieties do patients have when their coming in for a hernia surgery or a gall bladder surgery, and how do you help them overcome those anxieties, and what their going to go through?

DR. GOODMAN: I try to get them to understand that while I may have done thousands of gall bladder surgeries, or hernias, it’s probably the first and only time for them. And make sure they understand what the indications are, what the alternatives are, why they should feel comfortable with me as their surgeon, what the plan is, and make sure their engaged in the plan, that they can trust me and know that I’m focused on them, one patient at a time, and I want them to have the same outcome that I would want if I had the surgery. I think that leads them to a comfort, and they see our system and we all work together, we know each other, we trust each other and they know that this environment is probably a safe environment, rather than feeling that they’re tossed in there with a bunch of strangers that don’t care.

INTERVIEWER: Let’s pick one of the procedures. You mentioned gall bladder. How many gall bladder surgeries happen in this department?

DR. GOODMAN: I think if you take how many surgeries I do, and multiple it by the number of surgeons… About six to seven hundred a year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it were more.

The Everett Clinic has three pharmacies, two surgery centers with advanced technology, and eight urgent care Walk-In Clinics. The Clinic Everett Clinic holds a regional cancer center partnership.  The Clinic serves more than 250,000 patients annually, and has 16 locations throughout Snohomish County. The Everett Clinic has over 1,500 staff, and more than 300 physicians.

The Everett Clinic believes that excellent patient care requires a constant commitment to quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. To do this, The Everett Clinic ensures their physicians are qualified to deliver top-notch care, and continuously monitors patient care. The Everett Clinic is recognized as a leader in healthcare.