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A Caring Physician At two months of age, our son was sent by our pediatrician to the Pediatric Neurology Department at the Medical University of South Carolina for evaluation. It was late in the afternoon, but Dr. Robert Turner, a pediatric neurologist agreed to see us. After a series of tests, Dr. Turner diagnosed our son with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which is a genetic disorder that prohibits the development of muscles. Dr. Turner’s evaluation was straightforward, honest and compassionate. He told us that our son had less than two years to live and that the average lifespan for a child with his condition was six months. He told us at the time that he would welcome a second opinion and would refer us to other neurologists in the country.  At first we considered a second opinion, but given the way Dr. Turner handled himself and after researching this disease ourselves, we felt confident on his diagnosis. Dr. Turner kept continuous watch on our son (even though his official services ended with his diagnosis) calling frequently to check on our family. The day our son passed away, at age 5 months, Dr. Turner arrived at our house within the hour, even before our son was transported.  He spent a few hours with us during our time of need and we truly appreciated it.  It is hard to believe, given this day in time that doctors still continue to monitor the progress of former patients and make house calls, no less. Dr. Turner is truly an asset to the medical profession and the Medical University of South Carolina. We should all be so lucky to be under the care of such a caring doctor. George and Susan Lynch Mount Pleasant Editor's note: This letter was printed in the Post and Courier on Nov. 24.