A Message to Our Patients - In the current atmosphere of managed care and increasing federal regulations, it is easy to forget the Patient-Doctor relationship should be the central focus of any medical practice. More and more layers are coming between patients and their physicians, making that personal relationship appear less important than it has been in the past; but nothing could be further from the truth. This particularly holds true for specialists, such as surgeons, who tend to have episodic encounters with their patients. Today's rapid pace and reliance on technology demands that even more effort be applied to the Patient-Doctor relationship, so that we do not forget why we are here in the first place. I would like to take this opportunity to strengthen our relationship by saying "Thank You" for choosing me as your surgeon. I know that you have other choices, and you should know that I feel honored and privileged to be the one providing your care. I will do my best to foster our Patient-Doctor relationship. Philip R Corvo MD MA FACS Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery Stamford Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Past President, Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Health Commissioner, City of Stamford  NEW - Dr Corvo is the only surgeon in New England performing Single Incision Laparoscopic Robotic Cholecystectomies (removal of the gallbladder) using the Intuitive Surgical Davinci "S" platform. This exciting new technique combines the best of robotic surgery and single incision laparoscopic surgery. See the Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.