As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and more automated, it can sometimes feel like meaningful interaction is falling further to the wayside. However, it’s our cherished relationships with others that keeps the vitality of empathy and genuine human connection alive.
That’s just one of many reasons why Scott Brown, 63, of Cashton, Wis., is especially grateful for the strong bond and legacy of care experiences he and his family have shared with their Family Medicine doctor at Gundersen Health System, Kim Lansing, MD.
Dr. Lansing has cared for five generations of the Brown family throughout her 25 years at Gundersen, starting with Scott and later including his wife, wife’s mother and his children. Now, she cares for Scott’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too.
When asked how she’s navigated the unique journey of caring for five generations of the same family, Dr. Lansing emphasized the importance of meeting her patients right where they’re at and establishing a level of trust and confidentiality.
“I’m not here to judge; I’m here to help and guide all my patients,” Dr. Lansing explains. “The continuity of care with the Brown family has allowed me to know their story, their history and who they are. I have a deeper understanding of how I can best help them through varying stages of life and with preventative care.”
She describes her more than decades-long relationship with the Browns as closely personal and rare to experience in healthcare.
“After a quarter of a century, you start to feel like you’re a part of the family,” Dr. Lansing says. “It’s truly full circle to care for Scott and his kids and then see those kids grow up and now have children of their own. It’s amazing.”
Scott says Dr. Lansing is not just a care provider to his family. Over the years, she’s become a friend, a trusted confidant, a reliable supporter and someone he can share a laugh or shed a tear with.
“She’s such a knowledgeable professional, very personable and provides the best all-around support,” Scott says.
When Scott’s wife, Debbie, was diagnosed with a severe liver condition, Dr. Lansing was there every step of the way to support Debbie, Scott and their family through the difficulty of end-of-life care planning and Debbie’s transition to hospice at Gundersen. Debbie tragically passed away last year.
“From the beginning, we had a team of doctors on board, and we all met together in a conference room to make sure we were on the same page with our plan and the family’s goals,” Dr. Lansing recalls. “Debbie had such a great sense of humor and was always so positive.”
Scott finds peace in knowing Debbie was surrounded in support and comfort through the final days of her life.
“The quality of care and support she received at Gundersen was excellent and so professional,” Scott says. “It’s hard to put into words just how much that meant to our family.”
From the birth of babies to raising children to illness and devastating loss, life has been a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns for the Brown family. But Scott feels reassured that no matter what life has in store for them next, one thing always remains certain: Dr. Lansing will be there.