doctor knew everything there was to
know about the family and could be
trusted to make the right decisions
for the patient. In that age, all the
medical knowledge was locked up in
medical books and journals that only
doctors had access to. There was little
patients could do if they wanted to
conduct their own research.
trusted friend, philosopher and guide,
it made a lot of sense for a patient to
blindly accept what their doctor told
them. Patients felt no need to ask
any questions. Times have changed,
however, and this archaic attitude
has to stop.
often deal with specialists, where
the interaction can be episodic,
disjointed and therefore lacking in
understanding regarding the patient's
personal preferences.
homework on the Internet, so they
can find the information they need in
order to be able to have an intelligent
discussion with their doctor. This can
be good for both patient and doctor
such patients keep us on our toes.
is rude and inappropriate. In fact,
there are still many doctors who
take offence when patients ask them
questions. I have heard stories of
doctors responding to questions by
10 years of my life studying this
problem, so I know everything there
is to know about this."
Internet as being garbage, as they
believe online information is
unreliable. This can instantly make a
patient feel they are stupid, and that
the time they spent researching
was worthless.
suggest you find another doctor. If
you don't trust me, what's the point
of coming to me?"
questioned are not good doctors, in
my opinion. There is no reason for
a doctor to feel threatened when a
patient asks questions. Everyone
knows that when you are sick, you are
likely to have lots of questions, and
it's part of the doctor's job description
to answer those questions and allay
any doubts and fears. Any doctor who
doesn't do this is not doing a good job.
to ask intelligent questions so they
can form an effective partnership
that keeps both parties happy with
the quality of medical care being
provided. Indeed, it is the role of any
patient to ask questions, and it is the
responsibility of all doctors to help
find answers to those questions.