When it comes to selecting a doctor, particularly a specialist, we feel most confident with a recommendation from a trusted source. This is why we continue our relationship with Castle Connelly Medical Ltd., publisher of America’s Top Doctors, to produce our third annual study of the desert’s outstanding physicians.
Palm Springs Life was first to introduce an independent study of physicians in the Coachella Valley, and it remains the most reliable short list of specialists you can trust to provide superior care. You can rest assured that no doctor paid to be included in this report.
We selected Castle Connelly after a thorough review of firms that produce these types of studies — and after gleaning the experiences of editors at other city and regional magazines nationwide. The firm emerged as the clear favorite for its integrity in its qualification process and survey methodology. Each year, the firm mails out thousands of letters inviting physicians and medical leaders to go online to nominate outstanding doctors in a variety of specialties. The restricted-access forum prevents ballot-stuffing, while allowing doctors to be nominated by peers from near and afar.
About eight months ago, the firm began surveying a field of more than 1,300 board-certified Coachella Valley physicians, with an emphasis on the valley’s three major hospitals: Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital.
The nomination of a physician triggers a stringent qualification process that includes phone interviews and a database-driven review of board certifications, licenses, and disciplinary history.
There are many more excellent physicians than the 73 we present in this issue, but we had to draw the line somewhere. If you’re satisfied with your physician, stick with him or her. But when you need a specialist, we hope you’ll turn to our feature.
Correction
“A Piece of Home” (May 2007) should have stated that The Residence Club at PGA West has 32 villas that cost $279,000 for a 1/9th share. For that price, the fractional ownership of the villa belongs to the owner for life or until they sell it.