CHALLENGE: Reflection. #HAWMC As I sat down to write today's post, I began pondering over what I should write about. I have shared my medical story many times over and wanted today's post to be different. Then the idea hit me; I've been dealing with gastroparesis non-stop for over 2 years now and have crossed paths with a variety of medical providers. Why not reflect on the medical care I have received? Why not share what determines if a physician is remarkable, acceptable, or unacceptable in my eyes? Thus, my blog: What Defines a Doctor from a Patient's Point of View was started. My relentless journey with the inability to eat, pain, nausea, and other debilitating symptoms from Gastroparesis began in Feb of 2013. Since then, I have had experiences with numerous medical providers, Some of the physicians I became very fond of, others I couldn't get away fast enough, with the majority just being acceptable. All of them had medical degrees with the purpose of healing. Successful physicians can be found in all of the categories. However, the patient experience varies greatly. So why were they so different? What defined these physicians? EGOtistical Doctors All of you, I am sure have had doctors like this. You can't ignore them and you can't get away from them fast enough. These are the doctor's that walk into the room with EGO written all over them. Their presence screams, "I am almighty! I know everything and you don't know anything." These doctors are the ones that are able to make a diagnosis based on just your medical charts and labs alone, before ever stepping in the door. Rarely do they even have a seat. They are fast speaking and ask limited questions, most of which are answered with a simple yes or no. They do not allow you, the patient, to describe your ailments, share concerns, or ask questions. Why should they? They already have your diagnosis made, remember. The EGOtistical doctor doesn't care what you have to say and may even belittle you if you question their diagnosis. If a prescription is made, this style doctor doesn't explain why or how the medicine will work or what side effects to beware of. Before you know it, the doctor is out the door and you are on your way - most of the time more confused and frustrated than you were before entering. EGOtistical doctors also despise their patients asking to see someone else for a second , opinion. In fact, they are known to discharge you from their care if you consider a second opinion. They already know that they are always right, so no second opinion is ever needed in their minds. Addtionally, EGOtistical doctors do not know you. They do not see you as a person. Many times doctors in this category are very intimidating. Personally, I hate appointments with doctor's like this! Unfortunately, we can't always avoid them. When possible ties can be cut, but if inpatient that's not always feasible. Acceptable Doctors Most of my medical experiences would fall in this category. In my mind, acceptable doctor's still depend heavily on your medical chart and have an idea of what their diagnosis will be before walking in the door. However, while in your presence, they do ask meaningful questions and allow you time to answer and describe your symptoms. These doctors seem to listen, welcome questions that you may have, and provide answers to the best of their knowledge. If a prescription is given, this style doctor will explain why they are prescribing it and how it will help. The acceptable doctor will usually agree to you having a second opinion if you so desire, though rarely bring the notion up themselves. As a patient, we usually keep these doctors. They meet our medical needs, their care is tolerable, acceptable, and pleasant. We don't want to switch to another doctor in fear of ending up with an EGOtistical doctor. Remarkable Doctors I have been extremely blessed to have met some remarkable doctors! In all of my years, I have met a select few that would fall in this category. All of them were met during the past 2 1/2 years as a result of my Gastroparesis. All of them were unique and have their own individual personalities, yet share many similarities. If ALL medical providers could model themselves after these remarkable doctors, healthcare would change dramatically. So what makes them so remarkable? In my opinion and from my personal experiences, remarkable doctors portray their humanity. When they walk in the door, they are truly there for you. They are not preoccupied and they are not rushed. Remarkable doctors genuinely want to know what is going on with you and why. They care and it's evident in the discussion you have. That's right, discussion. The visits with these doctors are not mirrored as an interview. Instead, the doctor and the patient works as a true team. During the conversation, the doctor and patient discuss what's been going on, why it may be occurring, what helps and what makes it worse, and possible solutions. This doctor has read over the medical chart and will even refer back to it during the visit, but if he/she has a possible diagnosis in their mind, it's not definitive until after talking with the patient. This style of doctor helps the patient feel comfortable and relaxed. They are not intimidating and actually offer encouragement and empathy. They address concerns or worries that you may have, sometimes even prior to the patient asking. This style doctor will sit near you, hold eye contact, and even share personal experiences that they may have had themselves. Remarkable doctors do not take credit in knowing everything. They are honest with the patient and even admit when you are embarking on new territory together. They may suggest getting a second opinion, even offering to refer you themselves. They may reach out to their peers for advice. They may share how they have been thinking about your situation after hours. They may share a video that they found and uploaded to their phone, just to better explain your condition and/or treatment. Regardless, they don't give up and continue searching for the best treatment options for you. Remarkable doctors are "real". They are also able to comfort your fears with reassurance. They find ways to answer your questions, no matter how trivial, and help ensure that you understand. In rare occasions, they may even keep in touch with you and your condition via email contact. These outstanding doctors are amazing team players, willing to communicate not only with you, but also communicating with your other healthcare providers. A patient NEVER wants to let go of these doctors, as it is too difficult to find another remarkable doctor to replace them. As stated before, I have had the privilege to experience care from a few doctors that belong in the remarkable category, all within the past 2 1/2 years. Two of them while inpatient. If I do end up being inpatient again in the future, which I hope is not the case, I would gladly accept them as my doctor again. There's been a couple of doctors and/or medical providers that I have seen that could very likely be placed in this category. I believe that both my GI and PCP for the past couple of years were remarkable, caring, and compassionate doctors. However, due to both moving out of state, I am now in the process of rebuilding my medical team. I am hopeful that my new doctors will also be in the "remarkable" category. It sure would be less daunting if remarkable doctors were the norm, not the exception. How about you? What qualities define your medical providers?
6 Comments
Karen jeanes
6/16/2015 03:25:44 pm
I was almost in tears at reading this as I'm coming up to 3 years of all the symtems of gastroparesis and have every tube camera needle doctor poked everywhere and now have completly stopped eating. I just can't eat solids iv been rushed by ambulance many times with severe abdo pains I last ate tiny bit of lasagne on April 13th ( funny when we know exactly when) I have ice lollies and suck some chocolate just to keep energy up I'm now waiting to see a gastro consultant already saw one and when I entered room he said he had read my notes then said oh is that a cath kidston bag my ex girlfriend had me buy all that stuff!!! I couldn't believe it! Anyway he said for me to have more tests it's properly down to your EDS ( always get that) anyway I had tests he then sent letter nearly a year later saying sorry for delay in getting back to you something showed up but think it's down to your EDS if you get any more trouble ring my secretly to see me again?? Well iv been so poorly I booked a app with a lovely caring GP I once saw told him iv not eaten propeley for months the abdo pain I'm also being sick up to 5 times daily he then looked at my notes and said about the 200mg of morphine iv been on for years and said right you have got to see gastro people asap also put me on food fluid drinks and sickness tablets I had a call yesterday from the gastro people! I thanked the Lord for this lovely doctor who cares and said I shouldn't have to suffer any longer! I just pray the gastro consultant ( whose different from the first) is interested more about my suffering than my handbags!! Thank you as when reading what you wrote I'm not alone and I pray I can get help soon. Karen
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Trisha
7/15/2015 03:48:31 am
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your story. I pray that this new GI is able to help you! Gastroparesis is awful, but having a great medical team helps tremendously.
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4/23/2016 04:31:30 pm
Thank you, for sharing your experiences on this blog, and your profound wisdom. Healthcare is all about the patient. No exceptions. Doctors go to medical school to make a living of CARING for patients. If we are not, as doctors, helping provide compassionate, quality medical care, we are failing our patients. We are letting down those who have invested in our education.
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Trisha
4/23/2016 04:46:30 pm
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post. I firmly believe that having a positive connection/relationship between doctors and patients is key. You are more than welcome to share this post with anyone. I appreciate your commitment and dedication to improve health care.
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Thanks for sharing your experience as a patient. Unfortunately, your experience with arrogant and egotistical doctors is not unique to being a patient.
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Trish
4/23/2016 08:00:48 pm
Scott,
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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