He can focus even clearer due to the medical assistant of whom he sings praises. “Denise doesn’t miss anything,” he says. “She’s a godsend. She’d even know if a patient needed a bologna sandwich!”
By the time the day is done, he’ll probably see 20–25 people and admits to taking very few breaks—but breaks may not be needed when the gratification comes often.
“Many patients come in and don’t know what’s wrong with them,” he says. “When you can accurately diagnose, when they feel they’ve had a conversation and don’t feel they’re crazy—it’s a great look on their face. I want to help give them their quality of life back. My motto has always been that if I can’t help them, I’m going to find someone who can.”
The 1st Pitch
Dr. Soloway hopes the New York Mets will get him back on the mound. His collection when it comes to baseball can go beyond cards—to memories. Throwing out the first pitch before a Mets/Yankees game on July 3, 2011, he didn’t bounce it like many, but he admits it didn’t find the strike zone either. He’s trying to find another chance to get back out there, he says, believing he’ll likely do better.
As for his baseball cards, he looks back on additions he’s made as pieces in a puzzle of American history. There are even pieces to his own history. Some cards he’s had since he was a kid are a bit roughed up. “They’re not really worth much when they’re like that,” he says. “But I still have them.” Fortunately, many of his best aren’t showing such wear, he says, but to him, the dollar signs are for another classification of card owner. “An investor is someone who’s in it for what it can do for them financially,” he says. “I’m a collector. I’ve bought them because I loved it.” the rheumatologist
Eric Butterman is a Texas-based freelance writer. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
Other Fun Facts
- Favorite baseball player playing today: Ichiro Suzuki
- Favorite baseball player of all-time: Ted Williams
- Has multiple menu items named for him
