New York Daily Photo Analytics

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Content Is King


Here is one secret about New York City: don't be misled by the user interface, because content is king. In the various stories on this website, I have written of many individuals who have surprised and often awed me once I spoke to them and learned about them. "Don't judge a book by its cover" has become my modus operandi, not just a hackneyed cliché.

This extends beyond the skin of people. Institutions, businesses, etc. all have to be approached the same way - look below the surface, if that is where value is to be found. If you prefer the comfort of a Cadillac or plush carpeting, then New York City is probably not your place unless you have lots of money to provide the cushioning and insulation.

In spite of this, one of the last places where an individual wants to overlook appearances is a hospital. This is a place which provides some of the most important services for the human condition, many of which are life-saving. When it comes to medical treatment, having competent doctors is what really matters - window dressing does not make up for malpractice. But being in a hospital which is showing signs of wear or is dirty or disorganized is not going to help a patient's confidence.

I recently visited the Gouverneur Hospital walk-in clinic in lower Manhattan with a friend who had previously been there. The walk itself through an impoverished neighborhood was preparatory. The situation in the clinic was relatively under control - an hour's wait to see a doctor was to be expected in a walk-in clinic with no appointment on a Sunday afternoon. However, I imagine that those arriving while the front desk was unattended with an "Out to Lunch" sign would not find it heartening, nor would they be assured by the very small cockroach crossing the floor of the waiting room - I believe I was not the only one who noticed it.

The physician himself was good and, in spite of an overloaded waiting room, did not make us feel rushed, taking the time that was needed. He mentioned that he was moonlighting at Gouverneur and that his regular workplace was New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center on the Upper East Side. I commented that Cornell was like a country club by comparison . He agreed and we both laughed, knowing full well that appearances in a hospital in this city are not a reliable barometer for the medical expertise. In a way, we were both really acknowledging that in New York City, content is king...

Note: Note the "Out to Lunch" sign in the lower left.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your blog is great. I love the way you look at situations and things.

Mirela said...

I couldn't agree more... I have to admit, I myself sometimes judge a book by its covers. In this case, if I saw this photo in some random place and had to guess which country this was taken in, I would've probably guessed an ex-USSR republic or similar.

I admire this doctor who is sacrificing his free time to help those without the medical insurance...

Brian Dubé said...

Anon - why thank you.

Mirela - In spite of everything, I often still judge a book by its covers. It's a lesson I relearn all the time.

Thérèse said...

I do too.... for the cover... that's how a friend forced me to read "Three cups of tea, from Mortenson" The cover was not inspiring me... but what a teaching in the book.
Here, except for the coakroach, it's inspiring too. I should go and photograph the empty shelves in one of our food bank...