Ronald A Restifo, MD

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like This Anymore…
Dr. Ronald Restifo decided to retire at the end of September. You might reasonably ask «why write something about a person who will no longer be treating patients in 3 weeks?» However, as readers of most of my reviews know by now, I write essays and try to offer context for an event, situation or an ordinary meal. Short attention spanners can look to the pros, cons and star ratings at the bottom.
Dr. Restifo is a rheumatologist… a doctor who treats conditions where your auto-​immune system is out-​of-​whack and working overtime to defend against a perceived threat in the body. The most common of these circumstances is rheumatoid arthritis and its sibling, psoriatic arthritis. Like most «illnesses», the results can range from mild to incapacitating. Fortunately, the progression of my arthritis was arrested about 4 ½ years ago before I experienced anything more than stiffness in the hands and one finger permanently bent at a 30 degree angle at the third joint. That actually helps with typing, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a typical solution for most people.
Strangely enough, my wife noticed many of the same symptoms about 2 ½ years ago. She went to Dr. Restifo and her condition is also fortunately under control with just some moderate stiffness in various areas. We both give ourselves a weekly injection of Enbrel, watch our diet carefully and exercise 3 – 4 times a week. Keep in mind rheumatoid arthritis is not the same as osteoarthritis which usually results from «wear and tear» or the loss of cartilage between bones. Treatment for that condition can be very different.
So far, this is simply a story… one of many available on Unilocal… where a doctor helped his patients. But this is where most of the similarities end. My wife and I have been lucky through the years to have a group of doctors who really care about us as people… perhaps more than as patients.
A visit with Dr. Restifo is, in some ways, like a walk back in time. Not that he carries a small black bag from room to room in his office or makes house calls, but in the questions asked and curiousity shown. Of course, he’s interested in the behavior of our rheumatoid arthritis, though that often appears secondary to how everything else is feeling, including work, home and, yes, the stiffness in our body. When an exam is finished, he shakes your hand, looks you in the eye and smiles like a proud grandfather. I wish we could talk more about his hobbies, like traveling, but I usually need to get back to work.
Now, it’s true some of my acquaintances in the medical field state Dr. Restifo is «behind the times» regarding the latest diagnosis or treatment. I can’t confirm or deny those claims because I’m not an expert. But sometimes you just need to go with a gut feeling. Here’s a guy in his 70’s.in practice since the late 1950s. who I’ve personally seen at least 4 times a year for 5+ years and will spend 15, 20 or 30 minutes with you to determine «what’s going on» with his patient. How many of our younger doctors do that… either because of cost prohibitions or they just don’t know how?
Dr. Restifo will be missed. However, there is good news! Most of his patients will be able to move with his office mate of the past several years… Dr. Lynda Lee, a highly regarded rheumatologist in her own right… to a large rheumatology practice at El Camino Hospital in the former «Los Latos Community Hospital» on Pollard Road. And, several of their great co-​workers will also make the move, including «nurse» Mary Lou and at least one of the receptionists, a very efficient, always multi-​tasking youngish woman with a hint of a southern accent.
Pros: A wily old doctor who became a friend to his patients.
Cons: Retirement was inevitable, but why now?
Star Ratings:
— Overall: 5 (the rest doesn’t matter because the office is closing in late September)