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By Abby Caplin, MD, MA 
People often feel intimidated when they visit their doctor. After all, doctors have worked hard: an undergraduate degree filled with science prerequisites, four years of medical school, then three to ten more years of grueling subspecialty training, often in world-renowned hospitals. They know so much about the human body and have studied for years. And of course they are so busy…
Why shouldn’t people feel intimidated?
The truth is that doctors do have a knowledge base and a relatively common standard of medical practice to which they adhere. But each person is unique, and illness is uniquely expressed in each individual. For example, because of genetic or environmental factors, patients often respond very differently to the same medication. Sometimes a patient’s history can be presented to a group of doctors, and the recommendations each doctor makes can be vastly different.
Because of this, doctors must also learn to practice the
art of medicine, because medical care can never be an exact science. Unfortunately, many patients are under the illusion that the doctor is all-knowing. The result--- patients may passively follow the doctor’s orders, even if their instincts tell them not to.
Some doctors are kind and compassionate, responsive to your questions, listen to what you tell them, and feel privileged to be your physician. Other doctors do not act compassionately, are not kind or considerate, don’t listen to you and may seem upset when you ask questions. These latter doctors are not helpful in your healing, although they may be useful at times. They may help in a crisis and even be lifesavers. You may have been referred to them because of their expertise. Sometimes, you might feel you have to stay with a doctor, because he or she is “the best.”
Now, let me ask you this seemingly confusing yet most important question---
Who is the CEO of your healthcare?
Answer: YOU are the CEO of your healthcare. If your instincts tell you that the physician is not a “good fit” for you, then don’t let yourself feel intimidated, whether you decide to stay with that doctor or find another one. You are the consumer, and it is your body that you must live with. You are the one who must live with the consequences of the medical decisions that are made!
Recommendations:
1) Start a home file and keep your own copies of all blood tests, radiology reports, specialty evaluations, and surgery and pathology reports. This way, if you decide to get another doctor’s opinion, you have what the doctor needs right at your fingertips. Possessing your own information equals being more in control of your healthcare.
2) Use reputable Internet sites and books to become an informed patient, so you can work together with your doctor as an active participant. If this is too stressful for you, and it can be, ask a friend or professional coach to help you with this.
3) Find a doctor who treats you like a person, and remember that no doctor can always make perfect decisions---not any doctor. Work with doctors who welcome an informed patient.
If you still feel intimidated by doctors, seek consultation with someone who can help you overcome this hurdle. Passivity and blind trust could be a matter of life or death. Choose an empowered life!
Remember, YOU are the CEO of your own healthcare. About the Author...
Dr. Abby Caplin practices mind-body medicine and counseling in San Francisco. She helps people living with chronic illness or medical conditions lead empowered and vibrant lives, finding wholeness despite illness. Last Update: 6/16/2009
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