Tell ALL Your Doctors What You Think! Last week I had a light bulb moment I want to share with you. It goes back to the reason I do my advocacy work, so I’ll start there. Bear with me if you know the story. A few years ago, I found a lump on my torso. It was removed by a surgeon and biopsied. The result was a diagnosis of a rare, aggressive cancer. My oncologist told me to begin chemo treatments immediately or I would be dead in six months. I was floored, scared, and began asking questions. But the oncologist had no interest in listening to me. He was arrogant and condescending. When I told him I wanted a second opinion, he bellowed, "What you have is so rare, no one will know any more about it than I do!" But I did find another doctor who knew more, and he helped me prove I had been misdiagnosed. I didn’t have cancer! It was then I decided to help others advocate for themselves, too. Fast forward to last week when I saw the surgeon for the first time since my ordeal. During our conversation he asked about my experience with the oncologist he had referred me to. That was when the light bulb switched on. If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know I encourage patients to provide feedback to their doctors about their experiences working with them. It’s one way to improve communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Further, if a doctor can’t help you, is disrespectful, or unwilling to partner with you, I suggest you find another doctor. The surgeon’s question provided me with an opportunity to take my feedback a step further. I explained how Dr. Arrogant had treated me; how I had felt belittled and disrespected. Therefore, I had found another oncologist. The surgeon was clearly uncomfortable. Why is this story important to you? Sharp patients will stand up for themselves by telling a doctor if they are uncomfortable with his behavior. It’s not easy! But doing so may encourage a doctor to be more respectful. Then when possible, try to take that feedback a step further by sharing it with the person who made the referral. The referring doctor may think twice before endorsing such a difficult doctor again. You may be protecting another patient from suffering a similar experience. ~ © 2007 Trisha Torrey | 
