Published: October 30, 2009 12:43 am      

Witch works her magic at doctor’s office

ASHLAND — There’s nothing like a sweet treat to take the sting out of a visit to the doctor’s office for an allergy shot.

“They think I’m a witch anyway,” said Mary Jo Ackerman, receptionist for Dr. Katherine D. Carias of Ashland, who greeted adults and young patients alike in full witch wardrobe and makeup Thursday.

Ackerman said this is the third year she has adopted the witch persona and handed out treats, provided by Carias, to young and older patients alike as part of the office’s Halloween celebration.

The green-skinned witch said the tactic isn’t especially unusual for the office staff, which tends to enjoy maintaining a light-hearted attitude for their patients. “They kind of expect anything with us,” she said, adding a wicked cackle at the urging of a co-worker.

“It lets them see we’re human and it takes some of the tension and fear out of a visit,” she continued. “It lightens it. It takes the edge off ... and the doctor loves to do it.”

While some patients who visit the office to receive allergy injections have no stress or fear of the process, Ackerman said the humorous approach to a doctor’s appointment certainly makes the visit more pleasant.

“They’ll come to get their shot just to get a treat,” she said with a grin. “And, the adults like it just as much as we do.”

Ackerman, who admits Halloween is her favorite holiday, is no stranger to wearing holiday-related costumes at the office. In past years she has dressed as leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day, a bunny for Easter and Santa Claus during the Christmas season.

For her Halloween “brew” Ackerman filled a small cauldron with a variety of treats, with bags and bags of reserve goodies for the large number of patients anticipated Thursday afternoon. She made a point of keeping specific items, including chocolate-based treats, separate from the main batch and asked each patient about food allergies before handing the treats over to their guests.

Ackerman and her fellow office workers said they enjoy celebrating Halloween with their patients, and take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of the office “Halloween Baby,” R.N. Carl Faulkner.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.