Medical genetics is the specialty of medicine that involves the diagnosis and management of hereditary disorders. Medical genetics differs from Human genetics in that human genetics is a field of scientific research that may or may not apply to medicine, but medical genetics refers to the application of genetics to medical care. For example, research on the causes and inheritance of genetic disorders would be considered within both human genetics and medical genetics, while the diagnosis, management, and counseling of individuals with genetic disorders would be considered part of medical genetics. In contrast, the study of typically non-medical phenotypes such as the genetics of eye color would be considered part of human genetics, but not necessarily relevant to medical genetics (except in situations such as albinism). Medical genetics encompasses many different areas and subspecialties.

• Clinical genetics is the practice of clinical medicine with particular attention to hereditary disorders.
• Metabolic (or biochemical) genetics involves the diagnosis and management of inborn errors of metabolism in which patients have enzymatic deficiencies that perturb biochemical pathways involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids.
• Molecular genetics involves the discovery of and laboratory testing for DNA mutations that underlie many single gene disorders.
• Mitochondrial genetics concerns the diagnosis and management of mitochondrial disorders, which have a molecular basis but often result in biochemical abnormalities due to deficient energy production.

If more medical practices operated this way - encouraging physicians to work together and to provide a quality of care rather than the quantity - health care in America would likely cost a lot less and produce better results.

We have consulted with numerous specialists across the US on diagnosis and available treatments. What we found during our initial contact with Dr. Kendall and throughout our consultation visit was an exceptional professional human being, who had read every document/medical record we had provided for review. Dr. Kendall carefully reviewed and has discussed the medical and surgical aspects of our daughters medical history and did so in a very compassionate, understanding way. To date, Dr. Kendall’s follow through has been remarkable, something that has been sorely lacking from numerous other providers. Not only was the staff thoroughly professional, but they also treated us with the loving care one might expect from family. Very simply, in terms of concern, spirit and compassion, based on the people I have come in contact with, your practice is in a class by itself.

When our daughters and I walked through the door and described how we felt, Dr. Kendall understood. I believe her vast clinical experience is what allows her to bring this unique understanding in the form of proven medical protocols. Through her experience and knowledge as a specialist in the field, she is able to continually develop and modify therapies and advance research. This seems like a dream come true, and one our daughters and I would not have dared to dream several weeks ago.

Numerous genetic and other blood tests have come back "normal" or “indeterminate” previously. I couldn’t find a doctor experienced in mitochondrial disease who would take our concerns specific to disease progression seriously. We now believe we have found a physician to help us with our struggles and to advocate on our behalf. Our daughters feel there is hope for renewed energy, strength, focus and the ability to live a full life, with a genetic diagnosis and modified treatment.

During the visit extensive testing was ordered to be done locally so our insurance would cover the expense, the length of the appointment was adequate, there was a specialty focus, overall treatment and management with integrated solutions were discussed, and it was clear that there is definite collaboration with researchers each vested in positive outcomes.

Dr. Kendall definitely understood our daughters conditions, she listened with real intensity, answered our questions and offered hope. When you have a disease that's incurable with a survival rate basically unchanged for several decades, you embark on research to help advance clinical care and patient outcomes. Our daughters are a huge blessing to our family. We've learned that life sometimes takes a direction that we can't control. Seeking input and care from Dr. Kendall was not a decision made lightly. Facing worsening health challenges has been the most difficult thing we have ever done as a family. But we wouldn't change a thing. We wouldn't be who and where we are today if anything had been different. Our daughters have given us great strength and Dr. Kendall has given us great hope for the future.

JK
Mother of two daughters being evaluated
(#1878 & 1879)

I came across Dr. Kendall’s site and sent a fairly lengthy email off asking about her practice.  Within a few hours, I received a response asking for my number in order to discuss things more in detail. She was kind, patient, and thorough – completely focused on the best path for us to travel in getting our answers.  

She agreed that she felt we were on the right path (about this being related to mitochondrial disease) but she wanted me to wait on muscle biopsy as she felt we might yield answers doing less invasive testing.  I told her I had the POL-G1 testing done and was waiting on the results, and she agreed that there were a few other tests to run before we jumped to muscle biopsy.

As I was led into the exam room by her husband (he runs the practice with her), there she was, in the room already waiting for me with our medical records on the table next to her.
She was kind, sweet and prepared for what would turn out to be a marathon appointment session.

Our care with Dr. Kendall didn’t end when we left her office – before we were on the plane back to Boston, I had a standard protocol letter and some reference material sent to me via email, and within 2 weeks I had everything I needed (clinic note, PT referral for wheelchair, disability letter, specialized and individualized protocol letters).  She arranged for me to see a local GI for my issues and she also had touched base with my PCP and Sasha’s metabolic doctor.  Even though she had many other patients to coordinate care for, it felt like we were her only patients…and, while we didn’t leave with great news, we left feeling like we had the support we needed to get us moving in the right direction.

I can't say enough about Dr. Kendall or her husband - they were so wonderful, informative, and kind to us - giving us all the time we needed for our questions and understanding that the news we were receiving was not exactly easy to digest. I highly recommend her to anyone out there who is looking for a mitochondrial disease specialist and I have recommended her already several times to many of the people within the mito community who have reached out and asked if I knew of a good mito specialist. She not only offered care that was top notch, but she treated us like we were HUMAN and not just another file folder on her desk.  This is a rare quality to find within the medical community – especially when the cases are so complex, time consuming, and unique.

In the months since our meeting in Atlanta, I’ve had several incidents where I have emailed her and received immediate response, and when necessary – a phone call to discuss matters.   It again solidified the feeling that we weren’t just another ‘file’ we were worth the extra time and effort…and that we mattered

To read the entire letter, click here.

SB
Mother and daughter being evaluated
(#1845)

There is absolutely no doubt that I have finally met my all time favorite doctor in Fran Kendall. When you are facing life with a complex disease, affecting multiple body systems, you need more that just a doctor or a specialist. You need an expert. Dr. Kendall is the "real deal". What total expertise blended with the most caring heart ever! Genius, humility, and love all in one precious person. You receive total care. While struggling with very difficult health issues, one needs more than just general care.

Dr. Kendall treats the complete person. She informs the mind with the skills of the  greatest professor, but with the ability to flawlessly bring the details vividly to the proper comprehension level. She reaches the spirit and the heart as well. In my visit, Dr. Kendall proved to me her deep, genuine concern. She attacked my case with passion and tenaciousness.

She will cry with you, and suffer with you. Just having that kind of true support has a vast encouraging, and healing effect. As far as the body goes, Dr. Kendall attacks the issues with the precise skills of a surgeon.

She proceeds with a care plan that is focused, and highly intelligent. She applies an orderly, step-wise game plan that aims for the highest achievable success with follow up and monitoring. Every detail is mapped out, but also in the most inexpensive, cost effective method possible. You will not be able to believe how affordable and accessible such quality care can be. Need to talk? You will be able to talk with Dr. Kendall directly.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the best in the world on my medical case, and to have her as a dear friend as well.

I also wish to point out what an amazing team Dr. Kendall and her husband Mike make. He also works tirelessly toward your medical care and is an integral reason why the cost and overhead are kept so low. Mike will take care of all kinds of issues for you. He would not stop helping and advising me until we were able to fight through insurance red tape and achieve in network medical benefits. Mike will keep the communications channels flowing while making new patient establishment a breeze. Even though I could have retrieved all the necessary forms and medical history details from the web site, Mike served them all up on a silver platter, in an email to me. He described, explained, and advised on what to do with each form.

Ask any question and he and Dr. Kendall will respond very promptly. Mike shares the same heart and passion with Fran for your complete care. It shows in his effort, support, expertise, and kindness. He will leave no stone unturned when it comes to assisting you in any way. It brightens my day and makes my battle easier just to see an email from Mike pop into my inbound folder. I consider him a dear friend. It is hard to stop praising Virtual Medical Practice. It is also hard to feel you have done justice, in describing the most amazing medical team and experience one could ever encounter!

TF
Adult being evaluated
(#1861)

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It was a refreshing change to visit your office. You are the first doctor that has treated my son and me with respect and dignity. It is evident in your bedside manner that you have a true heart for the patients and their care, as well as a strong knowledge of genetic diseases. I am also very happy to be able to communicate via Skype, internet, email, etc. What a convenience that we have not found anywhere else! We live in Wisconsin so this is a very valuable tool for us to have. We have and will continue to recommend you to others we know that are still in search of an answer. We are so happy we made the trip to Georgia. We look forward to working with you!

KG
Mother and son being evaluated
(#1869)

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Our experience with Dr. Kendall and the staff of Virtual Medical Practice has been nothing short of extraordinary. After 21 months of specialist after specialist, hospitalization after hospitalization, without answers but the frequent statements "there is definitely something wrong, but we just don't know what" and "your daughter should be on Mystery Diagnosis", our visit with Dr.Kendall was nothing like everything we had experienced before!

Starting prior to our visit, the staff of Virtual Medical Practice went above and beyond our expectations. When our insurance company had misclassified Dr. Kendall in their system, they provided the necessary information to get that corrected immediately, but then also provided an effective argument for having our visits included under "in-network benefits" - and the request was granted! My expectations are naturally high, but every one has been exceeded!

We were thrilled with our appointment with Dr. Kendall! She listened to our stories regarding our daughter and finally, instead of looking at the pieces individually, looked at the entire picture of symptoms. It is obvious that she is passionate about her work and truly cares about her patients. For the first time since our daughter's birth we felt like we finally had direction, and a plan for attaining answers once and for all. I cannot express how much stress this visit has taken off our family. Dr. Kendall has again exceeded expectations, constantly keeping us in the loop as results are received. We were elated with the fact that Dr. Kendall is not motivated through financial incentive to order certain labs or work only with specific labs. To us, this indicates that our daughter's health is the motivation for testing, and this is critical to us.

Without hesitation, we strongly recommend Dr. Kendall to anyone who wants answers to complex medical concerns and issues! We believe whole-heartedly that we will be able to get to answers under her care, where everyone else was stumped, and for that we will be eternally grateful.

CH
Mother of two daughters being evaluated
(#1859 & #1860)

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I knew before I arrived I had found a physician who truly practices medicine and cares personally about her patients, simply by the way in which Dr. Kendall's practice is run. That alone is a reflection of the standards she sets for herself and her relationship with her patients. As we finished our session, I liked her approach and suggestions in handling my individual case and the feeling that she truly cares about my problems. She didn't paint unrealistic hopes, but a realistic, methodical approach to unraveling my problems.

Yes, her office did indeed provide something different in today's healtcare arena. The Dr. Kendall's of this world are already in short supply and my fear is that the future for those who want to practice as she does are growing slimmer and slimmer. Perhaps I found her in time to make my remaining years better.

BK
Adult with undiagnosed symptoms
(#1849)

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I had a hard time describing "my super hero". ha ha -She is just amazing! Thank you again for all the efforts made to help me.

I am so appreciative for the care that I received from Dr. Kendall. She is highly educated and experienced in her field of medicine and it is obvious that she truly cares for her patients. I was amazed and impressed with how quickly both she and her office returned my phone calls and e-mails. With Dr. Kendall, you do not have to “sit and stir” for the entire weekend or even for an hour over questions that you may need answered. When you are sick and scared, she provides you with all the information that you may need to help you understand your condition and she does it with genuine care and concern. If either you or  Dr. Kendall have unanswered questions and concerns regarding your previous care or lab work, biopsies, etc., she will not stop until she has researched the issue in its entirety and has the answer for you. With Dr. Kendall, you honestly do not have to second guess your care. The way Dr. Kendall runs her practice and the way she cares for her patients is genuine. You will know immediately that she is the best physician you will ever encounter. When you imagine the doctor of your dreams; imagine Dr. Kendall.

RM
Adult using remote services
(#1824)

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We felt truly listened to by Dr. Kendall, which has not been the case for us in many instances recently with our daughter's health and our search for answers. I so greatly appreciated her acknowledging (and not brushing aside as several of the doctors we've recently seen) the concerns we have for our daughter and her health. I appreciated Dr. Kendall's honesty and openness about what we might or might not find and clearly explaining the next steps in my daughter's treatment. I have been sharing with many friends how good we felt leaving her office the first time and how we felt like someone was finally on our side.

AG
Mother of a daughter being evaluated
(#1813)

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I really enjoyed meeting you. You were very kind. It is wonderful to sit with a DR who really pays attention and allows time to be sure the patient understands.

AS
Adult being evaluated
(#1799)

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It is amazing to think that so many years ago the team at CHOA gave us little hope for our daughter, but Dr Kendall put all the puzzle pieces together and have given us so much to be thankful for. My husband and I appreciate Dr Kendall and all the time and effort she has put into our child and children like her. We are confident in knowing that without Dr Kendall our little precious girl would not be in our arms today. Dr Kendall is a blessing and a gift to the world. God sent his best to work with kids such as these and she and her husband are his best!

HC
Mother of a daughter with a Mitochondrial Disorder
(#1387)

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I found Dr. Kendall through a nurse at my pediatrician's office who has 3 grandchildren that all have Mitochondrial Disease. After having gone through some very disconcerting events with another neurogeneticist, Dr. Kendall and her up front financial policies were a breath of fresh air. Within an hour of my initial call to VMP, I had spoken with Mr. Kendall for at least 30 minutes and then Dr. Kendall herself called me and we spoke for at least another 30 minutes. She even volunteered to look at my son's blood tests to make sure that his results merrited a visit with her. She called back that same evening and said that she was concerned and thought we could benefit from seeing her.

She was absolutely correct - we did and have benefitted from our visit with Dr.Kendall. In all the years that I have been dealing with specialists, I have never found a doctor as honest, as genuinely concerned, and as available as Dr. Kendall. When my son was diagnosed, Dr. Kendall called me, not a secretary. She spent 30 minutes with me on the phone and said I could call any time with any questions. Dr. Kendall and her office have bar none the most efficient patient communication system that I've ever had the privilege of being a part of. You are NEVER left not knowing any longer than absolutely necessary.

Additionally, your child will not have to undergo any unnecessary invasive testing unless Dr. Kendall deems it absolutely necessary. She is absolutely fabulous and we feel extremely blessed to have found her. Thank you Dr. Kendall and thank you Mr. Kendall for starting a practice that is truly based on what medicine should be based on - helping those who desperately need help.

KM
Mother of a son with Autism
(#1762)

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Working with Dr. Kendall was a positive experience. My child's endocrinologist recommended she be seen by a geneticist before finalizing a plan for her continued care. It is difficult, to say the least, to find a geneticist with availability. Finding and working with Dr. Kendall alleviated many frustrations - from red tape to understanding more about my daughters health! Dr. Kendall's approach is straightforward and caring. She utilizes technology to eliminate the paperwork, reduce process and communicate. I was shocked when I called to learn more about her services and possibly make an appointment that she actually answered the phone and answered my questions. I was as impressed with the ease that information transferred as I was when she met with my daughter. She patiently listened and asked questions. She set us on a path to find results and communicated those results to us very efficiently. I particularly liked that she offered a variety of ways to receive info (all depending on my level of comfort) - the phone, email or in-person. I am so relieved to have answers to take back to the endocrinologist for our next visit. Her findings will allow me to help build a plan for my daughter that is timely and actionable. You'll find that handling your own insurance paperwork is well worth the tradeoff for getting comprehensive and real time information. I highly recommend working with her.

SS
Mother of a daughter with developmental delays
(#1733)

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If you would like to include the following letter on your testimonial page on your website it would be okay.  I read the letters you had on there and they are so true.

I would like to thank Dr. Kendall for her professionalism, kindness and knowledge during my first visit with her at her new practice and since then.  I had seen her at another location before and knew that she was the physician to see for my mitochondrial disease.  She really listens to what you have to say and has real empathy for your situation. 

She also follows through with what she says she will do.  Any time I ask for anything i.e. office notes, e-mail, test results she responds promptly and personally.  You don't feel like you are alone in your situation anymore.  What a blessing it is to have someone to personally ask a question to who really cares what happens to you.  I feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Kendall.  Living with this disease is very hard but it makes it a little easier to know that you have someone you can count on to answer your questions and just be there for you when you need it.

DS
Adult with a Mitochondrial Disorder
(#1558)

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I would like to express that the attention given to us is something I have never experienced. Dr Kendalls compassion and sincerity is genuine and something I wish there was more of in the medical field. I know that Megan is in good hands and our concerns are being heard and addressed. As a parent of a sick child it is so important to know that you are being heard and that there are not any communication barriers. It is a refreshing feeling. I look forward to working with Dr Kendall through this journey.

TG
Mother of a daughter with undiagnosed symptoms
(#1742)

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I have always found Dr. Kendall to be accessible, personable, and extremely knowledgeable about mitochondrial medicine. Her management of Brody's mitochondrial disease over the years has been crucial when you are dealing with so many specialists focusing on their specific organ systems. There was definitely a need to have someone"tie everything together" and focus on the big picture which she has done.

Kristi Cole
Mother of a son with a Mitochondrial Disorder

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Dr. Kendall and Virtual Medical Practice are our life savers! Our daughter currently does not have a dx for her developmental delays and the last set of tests we were told to run consisted of a muscle biopsy and Spinal Tap. We tried to have these done through our neurologists office, and thought we had things scheduled only to find out at the last minute that the dr. did not go about scheduling it correctly so it was canceled. We were going to have to start the process over, spend more time at more Dr’s offices and more money as well as wait months to have this done. This is after almost a year of trying to get these procedures done for our daughter. THANKFULLY – we found Dr. Kendall who at one point had been our daughters’ geneticist at a previous facility. Dr. Kendall and her team were able to get us back in the system within a few weeks and ahead of the original timeframe. All of the frustration and fear I had were taken away when Dr. Kendall stepped in. She knows my daughter and her situation, and she knew exactly what tests needed to be done. No additional Dr. Appointments necessary, and there will be no un-needed tests done; only those that we need to move forward with our plans for our daughter. Dr. Kendall was our life saver and I forever will be thankful to her and her team for helping us get these procedures done. When we met with Dr. Kendall at the previous facility we liked her and her open mind, and we now love her! If I ever hear of anyone who needs a dr. of this kind – Dr. Kendall and her team will be the first ones out of my mouth!

Julie Cristal
Mother of a daughter with Hypotonia Developmental Delay

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I just read over Dr Kendall's letter. I have to say I have Never had a doctor listen and absorb as much as Dr Kendall. I can't tell you how much it means to me that Dr Kendall is helping me. Thank you so much.

MM
Patient with undiagnosed symptoms

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No one knows and cares for the children like you do!

AD
Mother of a son with a Mitochondrial Disorder

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Dr. Kendall is a gifted clinician who not only has an excellent grasp of a complex medical specialty but who can also apply it to the patient setting. An excellent diagnostician, she also excelled in managing these patients. She is among the most conscientious physicians I know.

Dr Kendall has embraced the metabolic patient population, especially the most complex community of patients within that group, those patients with mitochondrial disease, i.e. disorders of energy metabolism. Her intellect and wisdom together with a sense of what's practical has made her a terrific resource for her patients who deal daily not only with their medical issues but an unsupportive and frustrating health care system.

Almost unanimously her current patients describe her as a knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate physician; she has clearly established a loyal following.

The small community of clinical biochemical (metabolic) geneticists is lucky to include Dr Kendall among their ranks. From personal accounts I know that her patients feel equally as appreciative.

MK, M.D.
Colleague

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Dr. Frances Kendall is quite sincerely, the best doctor I have ever known. Our son has his blood checked quarterly by Dr. Kendall and during his many hospital stays she is the one who literally, saves his life!  Through her knowledge of metabolic disorders and her gift of friendship, she is there WHENEVER we need her. Without reservation, Dr. Kendall is an amazing and gifted doctor.  She cares and deeply loves my son and the children that she cares for. She is our hero!

DW
Mother of a son with OTC Deficiency

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Her clinical skills are excellent and she is unmatched in her ability to diagnose and treat complex metabolic problems. During my time at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., I never worked with a geneticist that could come close to providing the comprehensive and timely advice that Fran can.

Just importantly, Fran can very effectively communicate with families and colleagues. She can break down complex metabolic problems in a manner that helps her colleagues, patients and families understand their significance and treatment nuances. She goes out of her way to seek out the families of her patients to counsel them on the implications of genetic and metabolic diagnoses. She has been invaluable in this regard when I have had to counsel families of patients with lethal diagnoses.

WK, M.D., Ph.D.
Colleague at & Past President of the Medical Staff

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We really, really appreciate your help and care, and we feel incredibly lucky to have your as X's doctor.

LG
Mother of a daughter with a Mitochondrial Disorder

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Fran would spend hours educating and working with physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and laboratory support staff to ensure that her patients were taken care of. Researching and leaving articles for the ICU nurses to study, in-servicing the laboratory staff on highly specialized referral testing required for her patients, sitting in innumerable meetings with hospital administrative personnel to ensure funding and accessibility for patients, accessing medications and nutritional supplements not readily available to pharmacists or nutritionists, as well as educating pediatricians, emergent care physicians and intensivists is just a short list of her patient care activities.

I have watched Dr Kendall develop keen business acumen, continuing to adhere to high ethical and quality standards with the care of the practice's patients at the heart of her commitment. Her kindness, her caring, and her accessibility are evidenced in daily conversations, interactions, and communications with her patients.

JG
Colleague

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Thank you for all you do for these kids, I understand they are your life.

GM
Mother of a daughter with a Mitochondrial Disorder

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It is clear to me that not only are you one of the best clinical geneticists in the country, but you have a passion for what you do and it shows.

To quote several of your patient's, "The dedication Dr Kendall gives to her patients is priceless. She has such a great bedside manner." Families are always so impressed with the time you take with them in the consults and breaking down such complex information in layman's terms and even sending helpful handouts you created. Many have even proclaimed you as their "angel".

CB
Colleague

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Dr. Frances Kendall is a physician of exceptional ability. Her specialty of clinical genetics often led her to the radiology reading room as part of the work up of these typically rare and challenging cases. She became the "go to" person for some of the most complex diagnostic situations at our hospital. For example, Dr. X consulted Dr Kendall regarding a child who languished in the intensive care unit undiagnosed despite being seen by a bevy of sub-specialists. Dr Kendall reviewed the chart and within a couple of hours made the diagnosis of "ARC syndrome" - a clinical entity of extraordinary rarity. Her capacity to diagnosis children with complex metabolic and genetic problems is remarkable.

Her problem solving clinical skills are matched by her personal touch. One of my partners commented to me that Dr Kendall is "really the total package" for patients. She brings not just exceptional clinical skills, but warmth and caring that come from within. These are crucial skills for the patients and families who are often dealing with incurable and tragic diagnoses. I was performing an examination of a child who was referred by Dr Kendall and asked the mother if she had met Dr Kendall yet. Her face lit up, "Oh, Dr Kendall is so wonderful!" This reaction is typical from her patients.

AN, M.D.
Colleague