No you can’t replicate a medical degree that way. But you can learn more about your specific uncommon condition/diagnosis than the average generalist doctor would know. You also know your own medical history better than a doctor you just met and spends 10 minutes with you. You absolutely do have to advocate for yourself and it’s wise to do some research. Doctors aren’t infallible and no, they are absolutely not up to date on the latest recommendations on every disease or subject. The doctor would have forgotten to give my mom the rhogam shot if she hadn’t insisted. I wouldnt have been born if it weren’t for her advocacy/“research.” The first obgyn I saw told me that it was best not to treat my hypothyroidism during pregnancy if I hadn’t been treated before and that only white fish was safe to eat during pregnancy. I went home and looked both those things up. She was wrong. Switched doctor practices and sure enough got a different recommendation on both subjects that was actually supported by medical research and medical associations. Sure, I’ll listen to a doctor, but I’m going to check anything they say that seems odd. And yes, I know the difference between fake news, one inconclusive medical study, and standard recommended practices supported by a large body of research. |
If you want to see a prime example of ignorance and entitlement, check out the FB page of Peer-Reviewed Mama. She literally had no idea what she’s talking about, but is confidently anti-vaccines. |
OP, I would acknowledge their concerns and answer their questions but if they are repeatedly ignoring you, I would dismiss THEM.
I know physicians can do it and repeated noncompliance and antagonistic relationship are enough to let them go. Maybe offer to recommend another MD in practice or other practices they may find a better personality fit with (not necessarily ant-vax or anti-antibiotics) or encourage them to seek second opinions with another MD since they don't trust yours. |
My experience with doctors has been that they follow guidance that best applies to the "median" patient; the only problem is that none of us are that patient, and most patients know their histories better than any chart. Further, while many doctors are amazing, it takes one or two arrogant ones to put you on guard forever. My GP wouldn't prescribe augmentin for an ear infection until 4 weeks had gone by and I was losing my hearing in one ear; I had to pay out of network for a second option and move a work trip because I couldn't risk a long haul flight with an inflamed ear. The attending obstetrician at my son's birth was arrogant and proceeded to do various things to me without first informing me, let alone consulting me. (The resident was excellent though.) My current OB is suggesting tests that are not supported by any evidence of benefit; in fact they increase the risk of c-section without reducing any other risks. I'm a research scientists by profession so I can access and interpret research results just fine. I know the doctor is just following the current guidance but that guidance is not always right.
Other people may not have access to medical journals but they have been burned by the system and no longer trust it. (Don't get me started on the pharmaceutical industry and lack of disclosure of risk.) They live in near-constant fear and make various (sometimes badly misguided) attempts to restore predictability and control in their lives. Many of them do it in ways that are uninformed. As a result, we have anti-vaxxers and measels outbreaks in the 21st century. Try to have some empathy for these young women, who are trying to do their best but aren't equipped to do so. A little listening and respect for the patient goes a long way. |
I agree with you, PP. Doctors never discuss the actual, yet rare risks. They are condescending. The handouts are not very informative. You wrote a great summary. Thank you. |
Ugh. Why do people keep referring to the OP as a "doctor"?
She's a speech therapist. Many of us wouldn't even consider that to be a medical professional. It's basically a glorified teacher. Actually, I have a lot more respect for actual teachers. Anyway, I'm late 30s, highly educated, and I think for myself too. Couldn't care less if doctors think I'm "difficult". Guess it's lucky for all involved that we choose to live a very healthy lifestyle and so don't have much need for them anyway. |
These mom in their 20's aren't 'very young' moms. They are adults.
I am an old mom now, but I was a 21 yo mom once. I always do my research and advocate for myself and my kids. That being said, I am very respectful to Drs and medical personnel. I don't try to change their minds or wave printouts in their faces. I nod and smile, and then do what I feel is best for my children. |
If you continue to see Doctors who do not discuss risks and who are condescending, that is on you. I changed doctors four times before I found the Doctor that I currently have. I have followed her to three different practices in 10 years. She is great. She lists aternatives, explains what she is doing and why, and listens when I have been struggling with something. I had a rare bad reaction to an asthma medicine that was causing multiple respitory infections. My husband found it online, he dug into the meds I was taking. I asked her about the possible reaction, she pulled out her computer, looked it up, said “Yup, that is a rare reaction, I have never seen it before but that fits the pattern.” She then found an alternative treatment, we discussed it, and went that way. Condescending Doctors are in business because they have patients. If you leave the Doctor who is condescending and find one that is not, you will have a better experience. If enough people do that, the condescending Doctor is likely to go out of business. People are willing to use Google to research their illness but not to find a Doctor who doesn’t suck. Maybe people should start out looking for the Doctor that doesn’t suck. I get that not everybody has the same options due to their medical insurance, but if you do have flexibility and you are staying with a Doctor who treats you poorly, that is on you. |
What arrogance. My dad lived a very healthy lifestyle too, but turns out he needs bypass surgery due to a genetic condition that creates a huge amount of plaque build-up in his heart. |
My Mom exercised regularly (walking, aerobics, circuit training), ate healthy, and slept 8 hours a day. She ended up with stage 3 lung cancer, heart issues, and was just diagnosed with Alzheimers. My Dad eats like crap (too much and a good amount of junk), smoked for 40 years, barely exercised and has had a knee replaced. You keep assuming that your very healthy lifestyle is going to be the cure all. Hopefully it will work out better for you then it did my Mom. Me, I am going to take good care of myself and find a doctor that I like and build a good rapport with her. |
bih, I am one of the posters who keeps pointing out that OP is not a doctor. and doctors forget most they learned in medical school anyway. i know plenty of doctors in real life and if you are not asking them about their specialty their knowledge is very basic. this is entirely normal and to be expected but does cut against “but look at those huge books they once had to read” argumen. |
If you know the difference between fake news and standard medical practices, then OPs post isn’t about you. The examples she cited were not taking antibiotics for strep, refusing vaccines, and bringing in Natural News printouts. Any reasonable doctor would have no problem discussing a news article in a major publication or an actual primary research publication. But no, OP is talking about dealing with people who have no idea what they are talking about and come in ready to argue with the doctor. That must be incredibly frustrating to deal with on a regular basis. |
You do realize that some women/children have to travel over an hour to see a doctor... thanks Republicans. Check your bubble. |
Check the last sentence, the one that is bolded. The bubble was checked. And the mess that is our health care system is not just the fault of Republicans, it is a far more complex problem then that. |
Whatever. You should have watched a couple of YouTube videos and done it yourself. And how did you even know that he needed that surgery? Did you read the peer reviewed studies? Or did you just listen to the condescending doctor tell you what to do? ![]() |