"Who loves ya"

As I consider ending my practice of primary care medicine I am struck by the pain I feel leaving my patients. I have known many of these people for over 15 years. I've delivered their babies, casted their fractures, medicated their illnesses, held their hands. They are part of my life and I will miss them. Most will find a new patient-doc relationship that fits their needs and they'll do well. But there are a few that I worry will become lost. They have quirks or problems that make caring for them difficult. Who will love these patients and see the person and not the problems?
Every doc has patients like this and most of us learn to value them even though they drive us nuts at times. I started the day with a patient that I had not seen for years but I remembered her as scattered and needy. Today was no different but as her story unfolded I saw a strong woman who was holding things together for her children under very trying circumstances. Yet, despite her significant issues, she took the time to buy me a Valentine cookie. What a thoughtful,caring soul. A young woman came in with her child for the 3 year old's exam. All was well but it seemed like she needed reassurance about her child. She, too, brought a Valentine treat for me and her older child had written a message for me on the package. More kindness offered to me even though I'm supposed to be the care giver in these relationships.
As medical care becomes more specialized and disease specific I worry that there will be less room for compassion for the patient as a whole. The therapeutic relationship is a two-way street which I so clearly experienced today. "Who loves ya?" has many different answers attached to many different people.