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ADVANCE Blog for PAs

PA Makes Real Health Care Personal

Published September 8, 2009 12:51 PM by Terri Schaefer

Over the weekend, the Gwinnett Daily Post published a piece about Georgia PA Larry LaViola, who practiced at Snellville Medical Group for 35 years until his death on August 30. In the article, the author, Susan Gast, crafted a wonderful tribute to her family’s health care provider, and also illustrated what real health care can be.

Here’s a section of the article, but I highly recommend visiting the newspaper to read it in its entirety.

I don't think a day has gone by recently in which I have not heard health care discussed, analyzed or dissected. I—like countless Americans—have listened with interest and mixed feelings.

Just over a week ago, however, my health care died. And I was heartbroken.

His name was Larry LaViola. He was a New Yorker comfortably transplanted and welcomed in the Deep South. He spoke softly, in a smooth, calming cadence - so smooth and calming that if you weren't paying close attention you might miss the pointed ribbing he was shooting your way.

For 35 years, he practiced at Snellville Medical Group and during that time took only two sick days. Officially he was a physician's assistant. But only officially.

To me, to my husband, to my children and to hundreds who live in southern Gwinnett County, he was our family doctor.

Link

2 comments

I just decided to google my husband's name to see what came up and found this wonderful tribute to him in your blog for PAs.  How kind of you to write this and how wonderful to read the comment by Bobbi W from Greenville, NC.  My husband was truly one of a kind, and I still am receiving cards and letters from his patients.  His death has left such a void in my life and the life of all of his patients.  There were over 400 people at his funeral mass, which was an overwhelming tribute to Larry.  Thank you again for your tribute.%0d%0aSusan

Susan LaViola November 20, 2009 9:12 PM
Graysonq GA

What a wonderful tribute to a PA that obviously gave of himself to his profession.....

Thanks so much for sharing this article.

Bobbi Wilkins, Hem/Onc - PA-C, ECU September 10, 2009 2:26 PM
Greenville NC

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