Good Health, Close to Home: How Cleveland Clinic Confirmed One Couple’s Decision to Move

When Paula Fishbeck and her husband, Gary, were looking for a new home in which to enjoy their retirement, their main condition was that it be close to good healthcare. So, they were thrilled to discover Vero Beach, Fla., which also was home to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

“That was the primary reason we moved here,” Paula says. Shortly after their move from California to Vero Beach, they established care with several doctors at Indian River Hospital.

Two years later, in March of this year, George Fyffe, MD, a gynecologist at Indian River Hospital, recommended Paula undergo a hysteroscopy due to some symptoms of concern. A hysteroscopy is a minor surgical procedure that uses a  thin, lighted tube to examine the cervix and uterus and allow for the removal of any polyps, fibroids or adhesions.

Paula, who is 75 years old, was “a little nervous” for the procedure, especially since the last time she was in the hospital was when she had her tonsils removed at seven years old.

“Dr. Fyffe was so kind-hearted,” Paula says. “He listened with such care and concern. He reassured me that I was in very capable hands.”

When she and Gary arrived at the hospital for the outpatient procedure, they were impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.

“Everyone was very caring and informative. You feel very well taken care of,” Paula says. “We certainly both expected excellent medical care but the bonus was that human side of the care. The expertise gives you the confidence, and the compassion gives you the comfort.”

Paula went home in the afternoon the day of the procedure. She was happy to report that her results were good.

“At the post-op meeting, Dr. Fyffe went over everything and took his time with me,” Paula says. “Because everything went so well, he does not need to see me for another year.”

She will be back to the Indian River Hospital campus, however, which she describes as “very convenient” because she and Gary each have several doctors they see there.  

“Cleveland Clinic certainly delivered on the promise of good healthcare,” Paula says. “Our experiences have just confirmed that our decision to move here was a good one.”