Thomas Merson Tocher, MD

I had the great pleasure of working beside Dr Tocher for a significant period of time, though given who he is and what he stands for when it comes to patient care, not long enough. I recently celebrated my 20th year as an RN and working at CHC was closest to heart...Dr Tocher was a huge part of that!

I first seen Dr Tocher 5 yrs ago, for about a yr and a half,but then he left my clinic, Under extreme circumstances and living with chronic pain, I couldn't get any answers of what treatment I was forced to be switched on to,my daughter insisted I switch to her clinic and try to get into see Dr Tocher, He was more then willing to see me and take over my care again, needless to say I was relieved! He would listen to me! He remember my fears of physicians,adverse effects of medications,and the fear of living back in full blown chronic pain again, he respected those feelings, and throoughly checked my care over the past 5 yrs. Any physician who listens, doesn't judge patients because of their coverage, are good physicians!

I arrived from out of state,due to the on going health problems I have, and nothing else can be done, I was quite scared a new Dr would stop my current treatment, and start me all over again on a long road of trail medications, therapies etc,as some physicians just jumps right in and wants to change everything and do what "they" believe in and not what's been working for the patient!". But DR Tocher to my surprise took the time to LISTEN TO ME!Understood I had good justifications in MY FEAR OF NEW MEDICATIONS. He showed compassion,understanding, not judgement,and most of all he showed RESPECT towards me not disrespect because of my coverage!If you ever get to be his patient,don't get impatient waiting, just know the time he spends he spends with that patient before you,he will spend it with you too!

After having lived here in Alaska for the past decade; I have only come to appreciate him more and more. He is easy to talk to, very caring and an all around great human being. I miss him and his care very much. If I were ever to move back to Washington I would not even think of going to another doctor.