The sterility of a doctor’s waiting room can be intimidating—symmetrically arranged furniture, perfectly placed People magazines, and looming plaques of accomplishments act less like a cordial welcome than a direct order to sit down, shut up, and be patient.
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Dr. Gordon Siegel’s approach, though, aims to put his patients at ease through incessant tick-tocking. At his Midwest Ear Nose & Throat offices on the near north side (3 E. Huron), the otolaryngologist boasts a waiting room teeming with antique clocks (mainly of the wall variety) and other peculiarities—like a weight and horoscope machine. The scene is a little more hippie fun house than waiting room, and Dr. Siegel acknowledges that while his collection may indicate a bad habit, it’s what he knows.
“Some people find the tick-tocking unnerving, which is fascinating,” Dr. Siegel explained. “People have walked in, and after a few minutes walked out. Others like myself find it very soothing. I think it’s a nonissue to most.”
