Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Hi Suzanna, I think, too often, we (and the doctors) forget that health care is a business; we are the customers, and the doctors and staff are providing us a service. Would you stand to be treated this way as a customer any other place? Just because these doctors have extensive education and expertise does NOT give them the right to act all-important or demeaning in any way to us. You should most definitely be a partner in your health care; although the doctor has the degrees and experience, your doctor SHOULD say, " how do you feel about this? " and " what do you think? " and " tell me about how this disease is affecting your life, " and " do you have any other comments or questions? " While your doc may be a bigwig in your area, there will be others that also have extensive knowledge in your diseases. I think it's definitely worth interviewing a few other docs, at minimum. I also think you should, if you choose to leave this doctor, write a letter to him and copy his superior (department chair, maybe?) about the specific reasons you are choosing to find care elsewhere. Good luck to you! I hope you find someone who you are very pleased with, Genevieve UC 1983, J-Pouch 1999, PSC 12/07 > > Do I go with the guy that is in the forefront of his field or the > dude I'm not sure is in it? > > Thanks everyone for your help in this matter. It's really been > bothering me. > > Suzanna > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Hi Suzanna, I think, too often, we (and the doctors) forget that health care is a business; we are the customers, and the doctors and staff are providing us a service. Would you stand to be treated this way as a customer any other place? Just because these doctors have extensive education and expertise does NOT give them the right to act all-important or demeaning in any way to us. You should most definitely be a partner in your health care; although the doctor has the degrees and experience, your doctor SHOULD say, " how do you feel about this? " and " what do you think? " and " tell me about how this disease is affecting your life, " and " do you have any other comments or questions? " While your doc may be a bigwig in your area, there will be others that also have extensive knowledge in your diseases. I think it's definitely worth interviewing a few other docs, at minimum. I also think you should, if you choose to leave this doctor, write a letter to him and copy his superior (department chair, maybe?) about the specific reasons you are choosing to find care elsewhere. Good luck to you! I hope you find someone who you are very pleased with, Genevieve UC 1983, J-Pouch 1999, PSC 12/07 > > Do I go with the guy that is in the forefront of his field or the > dude I'm not sure is in it? > > Thanks everyone for your help in this matter. It's really been > bothering me. > > Suzanna > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 How well do you know your celebrity gossip? Talk celebrity smackdowns here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 How well do you know your celebrity gossip? Talk celebrity smackdowns here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Suzanna, trust your instincts. I know how painfully hard it can be to change doctors, especially for those of us raised to 'respect authority figures'. You are one of many, many patients this doctor will treat during his career. For him, it's his job. But, for you, IT'S YOUR LIFE! Find a doctor you trust, one that shows you the respect you deserve. I switched doctors three times in a six-month period and I thank God I had the courage to keep shopping until I found one with whom I can work. He & I are now partners in my ongoing care and I truly believe I'll be living a longer, happier, & healthier life because I stood up for myself and demanded quality healthcare. Debbie in Seattle UC 1972, J Pouch Colectomy 1991, PSC since at least 1999 I have a GI guy that is, from what I'm gathering, a prominent figure in the large hospital I live near. A good hospital. I have been having a really difficult time justifying staying with him. I realize that he comes with up-to-date information, research money (I assume), and all the other bells and whistles that come with being associated with a large hospital such as this; but I can't deal with his bedside manner. > > Suzanna > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Suzanna, trust your instincts. I know how painfully hard it can be to change doctors, especially for those of us raised to 'respect authority figures'. You are one of many, many patients this doctor will treat during his career. For him, it's his job. But, for you, IT'S YOUR LIFE! Find a doctor you trust, one that shows you the respect you deserve. I switched doctors three times in a six-month period and I thank God I had the courage to keep shopping until I found one with whom I can work. He & I are now partners in my ongoing care and I truly believe I'll be living a longer, happier, & healthier life because I stood up for myself and demanded quality healthcare. Debbie in Seattle UC 1972, J Pouch Colectomy 1991, PSC since at least 1999 I have a GI guy that is, from what I'm gathering, a prominent figure in the large hospital I live near. A good hospital. I have been having a really difficult time justifying staying with him. I realize that he comes with up-to-date information, research money (I assume), and all the other bells and whistles that come with being associated with a large hospital such as this; but I can't deal with his bedside manner. > > Suzanna > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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