Meet Dr. Leah Doret
Family Practice (Only Sees Patients Over 18)
When Dr. Leah Doret first went to medical school, she thought she was going to be a pediatrician. “Then as part of my education I did a family practice rotation and I loved every single minute of it. I enjoyed the variety of patients I had and the fact that I could see and treat whole families. I also really loved the fact that I got to know the patients and be a part of their lives,” she recalls.
Already, Dr. Doret is building up an exceptional practice due to her expertise in medicine and her naturally relaxed and kind manner toward her patients. For Dr. Doret, establishing a good relationship with a patient is very important. “I find that if you haven’t established a trusting relationship with the patient they are less likely to listen to what you recommend and less likely to see you for follow-up care. That’s why I work hard to get to know my patients and understand their needs from the first day I meet them. When I think back about the amazing doctors I have known in my life, the greatest thing they had in common was that they were great communicators – they clearly explained everything that was going on and always provided follow-up. That’s how I like to practice, too.”
Asked why she decided to become a physician, Dr. Doret explains, “I had a very special doctor as a child who I really admired. He took care of me from when I was very young to when I went away to college. After you had an appointment with him he would write a letter to you explaining everything, including any test results and treatment. He really treated you like an adult and made you part of the process. He was one of those doctors who made every visit to the office special and I wanted to be like him.”
As a family practice physician, Dr. Doret believes she can make a positive impact on her patient’s lives. “I think a doctor can have a huge impact when you see a patient at the right place and time. From helping young mothers deal with a baby that’s not sleeping to turning the unhealthy behavior of a teenager around, we can really make a difference for our patients.”
Dr. Doret enjoys practicing at Reliant Medical Group with all the support it provides. “One of the things I like the most about Reliant Medical Group is that you are never alone. Your colleagues are always there to help whether it’s pulling in another doctor to look at a rash or calling in a specialist to deal with a problem. At Reliant Medical Group, doctors can really concentrate on being doctors, and I think patients really benefit from that.”
During her free time, Dr. Doret enjoys listening to music as well as singing and playing the piano, flute and piccolo. Her husband also sings and they both enjoy going to musicals and plays. She also enjoys spending time with her family and exploring Central Massachusetts when she has the chance. “Both my husband and I are from this area and we love to get on a country road and see where it goes. It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.”