Share your ideas

As someone who was once training in the professional field, I understand the importance of taking pride in the fact that you hone and develop your craft, test vigorously, and learn the "in and outs" of the field, yet I am a little wary of doctors who do not fully listen to their patients on the symptoms that they have.

I am the first to admit that doctors possess a knowledge that we don't as lay people. However, when you live with your body for years on end, you tend to know the internal workings like clock work. And, usually, when one thing is out of alignment the entire system can shut down (or weaken greatly). I have never doubted the competency of my physician, in fact on the contrary, but I will distinguish professional knowledge from the ability to actually listen to the valid concern of a hurting person.

I would like my encounters with physicians to yield more than a "once-over" and prescription of medicine that may or may not target the exact problem, though this is not a rant. From my perspective, the field may gain a lot by respectful exchanges between doctors and patients. In fact, in many instances it was the concerns that I pointed out to the doctor which lead to a collaboration of ideas which led to my healing. A miracle.

All that said, I trust most physicians to perform with the skill and knowledge to improve my health in a way that I would not be able to otherwise. I am simply writing because I would rather encourage an environment of mutual exchange than have a dying patient wonder, "What if I would have raised my concern a little more assertively?"

	Karla Salazar 03/03/2010 02:04:21 PM	Your time with your physician should be exactly that..."your" time. This is your time to ask all the questions you need to make you more knowledgeable of your own condition and more comfortable with your options. It amazes me to hear of people that don't feel comfortable with their doctors to ask all the questions. If you don't, I suggest it's time to find a new doc. No need to be nervous or shy. If you've got questions, then you need answers. Go ahead and prep your list before heading to the doctor so you're sure not to forget anything.
	Emily Carter 03/04/2010 01:10:49 AM	Marguerite and Karla, you guys are so right. I've been to see a few doctors recently and my experiences fell on either side of the satisfied patient spectrum. It's well known that doctors have very busy schedules and see dozens of patients in a day, but I feel more comfortable asking questions when my physician doesn't appear rushed for time. It's hard to get all the answers when the doc has one foot out the door. Every doctor should encourage their patients to ask questions. The best doctors are those who make time for a Q