Country Doctor

A young doctor went to look at a practice that was up for sale in a very remote part of the country. It looked perfect - with a nice comfortable house, fully equipped lab, and lovely gardens. The old doctor was asking a very affordable price.

"This looks great," said the young doctor. "I just can't figure out how you're able to have such a nice place with so few people to practice on.

"It's just simple common sense and a strong work ethic," replied the older medico. "For example, most folks around here take a couple weeks off for a vacation every year.

My wife and I, however, spend the summertime at home, gardening and putting things in order. Our herb garden gives us a huge harvest, so we mix the herbs and boil them up for my secret tonic."

"But that still doesn't explain this beautiful house and all the land you have," said the younger man.

The elder doc replied, "That's where the extra effort in the garden pays off. I run into my patients at church, at the store, wherever, right after they get back from their vacations. I tell them they don't look too good, and they usually say that their vacation took a lot out of them." He continued, "I'll agree with them, then invite them to stop around to my office for some of my good old fashioned tonic, and at ten bucks a bottle, it can add up really fast! Of course, that's just the beginning.

A few weeks after a patient buys my tonic, I comment on how much better they're looking, so that they feel like the tonic is doing some good."

"Then, in a few weeks I have them stop by the office for a complete physical exam, just to make sure they're in good health. I also tell them to bring in a urine specimen - and that's how I get my bottles back!"

[ Author Unknown -- from 'Buffalos Chips' (buffalos-g-jokes.yahoogroups.com) ]