Opinions and the practice of medicine

I hear those terms all the time when discussing medicine, i.e. doctors practice medicine, a doctors practice and going for a second opinion.

Those and similar statements should be the first indication that something may be amiss in the field of medicine. Maybe medicine isn't an exact science, and that doctors aren't gods that know everything there is to know about treating diseases. But a recent discussion on an MCL message board I frequent, seems to indicate that, at least a few out there still believe that to be the case.

One person stated

It is my opinion that the patient must choose a doctor after obtaining all information available and even checking with several doctors ---- then after choosing a doctor in whom the patient has confidence, he or she must then submit to that doctor's recommended treatment

Another says

The saying is that if you're going to be your own d[octor] you have an idiot for a patient. ... I was introduced to a young (32, who looked 22) doctor. I asked him his age and where he was from. I was in way to much trouble to shop around. ... I've never been sorry that I didn't take the time to shop for a second opinion.

Of course I have no objections to people believing and pursuing such courses of action, but those are individual decisions that must be made by each individual on his/her own. Advocating those beliefs as gospel for everyone is dangerous.

I sure don't believe that to be sound advice. I have never been of the belief that doctors are gods, and know everything about everything. And if there are such doctors they probably work at a university/research center, and see very few patients if any.

Most doctors/oncologists/hematologists have to deal with a myriad of different cancers, diseases etc. and to expect any doctor to keep up with all the latest research in every area is naive. The only way to ensure you are receiving the best possible care is to be proactive, and keep on top of all the latest advancements related to your disease, while at the same time keeping your doctors informed. Only then can you ever be sure that you are receiving the best possible care.

And with the advent of the internet, that job has never been easier.

There was one thing I learned at the first lymphoma conference I attended in LA, in 2002, shortly after my diagnosis, which I have never forgotten, and that was

NOBODY CARES MORE ABOUT YOU THAN YOU DO!

That goes for your spouse, your parents, your siblings, your doctor, and especially anyone on those message boards.

NOTE: I also posted this at my blog over at The Medical Blog Network, hoping to solicit views from doctors.

So far I have received one comment from Steve Beller, PhD which I found very interesting. It's a little long, but he does give some reasons to be concerned.

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Becky said…

You're right. It's very important that you remain proactive and research your illness whatever it may be. A year or so ago I requested a bone density scan from my dr. He stated I was too youn. Then I mentioned a recent study on epileptics and the anti-convulstants they take causing early onset that I had read about on the internet. He vaguely remembered reading/hearing about it so he requested the test. He actually thanked me and said that he would make a note to recommend the test for another patient he had who had epilepsy.

Nobody loves me like I do :-)

12:58 PM

LIVING WITH MCL

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