There was an interesting article on CNN this week about knowing when to find a new doctor. I thought I'd share, as there are some key points to consider when evaluating your relationship with your physician. The experts quoted suggest you should fire your doctor when:
(1) You don't think your doctor is listening to you.
(2) Your doctor becomes annoyed, frustrated, condescending, or expresses dislike when you ask questions.
(3) Your doctor can't explain what's going on with you in a way that you understand.
(4) You feel badly when you leave the doctor's office.
(5) You don't like your doctor, or you think your doctor doesn't like you.
As women we sometimes find it difficult to speak up for ourselves. However, it's very important that we do, especially because some diseases (like heart disease) look symptomatically different for women than men. Doctors don't always listen, either. One of the experts quoted wrote in a recent book about a case he had as a young doctor. A female patient complained about indigestion that he chalked up to complaining and whining. It turned out the woman had a torn aorta and she died.
So be proactive about your health and frank with your doctor about what you're feeling. Your health depends on it. And if your doctor makes you feel badly for expressing concerns or doesn't listen to what you're saying, it's time to move on.
(1) You don't think your doctor is listening to you.
(2) Your doctor becomes annoyed, frustrated, condescending, or expresses dislike when you ask questions.
(3) Your doctor can't explain what's going on with you in a way that you understand.
(4) You feel badly when you leave the doctor's office.
(5) You don't like your doctor, or you think your doctor doesn't like you.
As women we sometimes find it difficult to speak up for ourselves. However, it's very important that we do, especially because some diseases (like heart disease) look symptomatically different for women than men. Doctors don't always listen, either. One of the experts quoted wrote in a recent book about a case he had as a young doctor. A female patient complained about indigestion that he chalked up to complaining and whining. It turned out the woman had a torn aorta and she died.
So be proactive about your health and frank with your doctor about what you're feeling. Your health depends on it. And if your doctor makes you feel badly for expressing concerns or doesn't listen to what you're saying, it's time to move on.
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