Doctor’s practice feels like a finished quilt

For more than 32 years, Ruth Kamienecki, D.O. has passionately treated patients with her medical training in family medicine. “I’ve seen patients from when they were young and now I get to treat their children, along with the parents who brought them here. This network of families, and my fortune to have nice patients, makes my work a pleasure.” It’s her relationship with each patient and her staff members that make her practice colorful and rewarding -- just like a beautiful quilt she has created -- it’s an extended family.

Dr. Kamienecki grew up in the Detroit area, yet did not speak English until age 7. Her family is from Switzerland, where she travels when time permits, and she interestingly can switch from speaking and thinking in German or English based on her geographic location. It’s no wonder then that speech, language and connection are what has developed into generations of families seeking treatment at her office. “It’s my rapport with patients and staff, to talk with people respectfully in a way they can understand, that helps me help them.”

As a medical student in rotations from MSUCOM, Dr. Kamienecki focused on the experience and interaction at each medical facility. “Botsford was most comfortable to me. It was a training hospital and everyone was so qualified-- doctors, nurses and staff-- and their interaction impressed me.”

Early on, she worked in a group practice before being encouraged by Gerson Cooper, then president of Botsford, to go out on her own. “Gersh had faith in me and headed me in the right direction. That was in 1991 and he was so confident I could stand on my own two feet and manage a practice. I will never forget that encouragement and support.”

Dr. Kamienecki can often be found in her office early in the morning preparing prenotes for that day’s appointments, or for the next day’s appointments. While this makes for a long day, she feels this dedication and organization allows her to connect with each patient. “It’s important that I recall or ask questions from our prior visit.” If there is one take away she hopes new physicians can learn, it’s this ability to have the practice run smoothly, so that time can be spent with patients.

She credits her husband for being her biggest supporter, along with her two grown sons. She is also proud of her daughter-in-law, who is a radiologist at Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills.

When not working or traveling to see family, Dr. Kamienecki returns to those quilts, table runners, pillow cases and throws. She directs that compassion and organization into cherished gifts of color, design, comfort and warmth for others.

Thank you, Dr. Kamienecki, for your dedication to healing arts.