Today, I’m stuck in bed because of my medical conditions. It can be really tiring and lonely. I’ve mentioned my health issues before, but never in detail. Today feels like the right day to share more. Even though I’m medically retired, I still honor the oath to do no harm, a commitment I made when I was young and still hold dear.
A year and a half ago, I lost my family doctor, who was amazing and met all my high standards. These standards come from my extensive medical background, the excellent care I received from my pediatrician, and my daughter’s long medical journey.
Although my standards might seem straightforward, the medical field makes them tough to meet. I need a doctor who can admit when they don’t know something and are willing to find out. This is often due to what’s called the “God Complex.” These standards are crucial not just for me but for any patient seeking medical care. Medicine is more than a profession; it’s a passion that drives me to provide the best possible care. I’m deeply protective of anyone I consider a patient, ensuring their well-being is always a priority. Implementing these standards builds trust and fosters a healthy, supportive relationship between healthcare providers and patients.
The God complex is an issue we keep fueling. Why’s this happening? Let’s break it down and discuss how to tackle this serious problem. When people see their doctor, they often feel intimidated and think the doctor knows everything, making them scared to ask even simple questions. This has to change! Everyone should feel empowered to ask why certain treatments are chosen or why some conditions aren’t addressed. If the explanation isn’t clear, they should push for more information. Doctors, despite all their education, are human and can make mistakes. It’s unrealistic to believe doctors know it all. They should admit when they’re unsure and either help find an answer or refer to someone who can. Nobody wants to suffer because of a mistake. There is no such thing as a stupid question, besides the one that goes unasked. People shouldn’t feel bad for wanting clarity. A real physician, committed by their oath to do no harm, will respect these questions and provide the needed information. It’s crucial to voice every single question you have. So, fire away in the comments and challenge my views, challenge this standard of care I expect!
A crucial standard for doctors is recognizing their most valuable tool: the patient. After years of living in your body and going to countless medical appointments, you know when something feels off. When you say something’s wrong, they should investigate thoroughly.
Instances like Munchausen Syndrome involve individuals seeking attention through perceived medical issues, but even these cases indicate a sense of something being wrong. Patients often have a keen awareness of their own bodies, which can be invaluable for medical professionals. It’s not the patient’s role to diagnose; it’s the doctor’s duty to determine what is happening based on the patient’s input and observations.
Beyond their titles and degrees, doctors are scientists dedicated to understanding the human body. Using scientific methods, they diagnose illnesses, draw on education and data, hypothesize ailments, and test theories with various treatments. The scientific approach drives them to seek answers, embrace the unknown, and continuously learn from unexplained symptoms. Their motivation is not only to treat but to explore and understand the complexities of human health.
Yet, this goes beyond mere professional duty—it’s profoundly personal. As someone who has navigated the labyrinth of the healthcare system, I’ve felt the anxiety of waiting for answers, the relief of being heard, and the frustration when my concerns were dismissed. Our voices carry the echoes of lived experiences, the silent narratives of pain and instinct. Doctors must bridge the gap between clinical detachment and empathetic engagement, recognizing that each patient’s story is a vital piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
It’s essential for healthcare providers to see patients as partners in the healing journey. This collaboration fosters trust and leads to better health outcomes. When my voice was acknowledged, it didn’t just validate my intuition; it fortified the doctor-patient relationship, making me feel seen, valued, and hopeful.
Every consultation is a testament to the resilience and insights we bring as patients. Our bodies tell stories that are as unique as fingerprints, each symptom a chapter waiting to be understood. For doctors, embracing this narrative isn’t just good practice; it’s a commitment to the core of their vocation—healing not just the ailment, but the person.
Asking questions leads to better decisions and reminds physicians that diagnoses might not address underlying causes. Patients who speak up ensure medical teams consider all possibilities and gather complete information.
Your insight into your own body is crucial, so it’s essential to voice concerns when something feels wrong. By being proactive, we push for thorough investigations and improved health outcomes. Every question is a step toward better care.
Challenge, question, and advocate for the treatment you deserve.
Recently, I faced a heartbreaking situation with a doctor who developed animosity towards me because my questions highlighted that diagnostic standards were not maintained. A dear friend of mine, who was extremely important and close to me, was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. Due to privacy laws, I will not divulge specific details, even though they technically may not apply. Nonetheless, I believe in maintaining confidentiality.
My friend was referred to a hepatologist, who attributed the diagnosis to alcohol consumption. Although my friend drank more than advisable, it was not excessive enough to justify such a diagnosis. Unfortunately, I had been out of touch for several years, unable to intervene sooner. The concern arose because cirrhosis from drinking is a diagnosis of exclusion—it should only be concluded after ruling out other potential causes.
Upon reviewing my friend’s blood work, I noticed several critical tests were missing, such as a DNA test for hemochromatosis and an A1C test. Later, unmanaged diabetes was revealed through elevated A1C levels, which could have been detected earlier with routine testing. An A1C test, standard in yearly check-ups, provides valuable information on average blood sugar levels over three months. Early detection helps manage conditions like diabetes and prevent complications like liver damage.
Attributing cirrhosis solely to alcohol without considering other factors was a mistake; elevated A1C levels pointed to another cause. When I questioned the medical team about the A1C test, it led to further investigation too late to prevent serious consequences. The hepatologist’s oversight in diagnostic testing resulted in my friend’s untimely death, causing him to miss significant life events like his grandchild’s birth. The loss is immense, and it deeply pains me to think of the moments we will never share again.
This situation really shows how crucial it is for doctors to be thorough and curious in their practice. The doctor’s failure to ask key questions and do basic tests went against the principle of “do no harm.” This whole experience has only made me more determined to hold medical professionals accountable. Even though this isn’t my first time advocating for justice in medical malpractice cases, I hope it’ll eventually lead to more awareness and accountability in the medical field.
Most importantly, we need to learn to advocate for our own healthcare. It’s essential to ask questions, seek clarity, and make sure doctors are performing the necessary tests. Friends and family can help out by asking important questions and encouraging comprehensive exams. Advocacy starts with asking questions—just questioning can make a big difference. Let’s use this incident as motivation to demand higher standards in healthcare and protect ourselves and our loved ones from avoidable harm.
The next standard is closely related to the others. It is essential for healthcare providers to collaborate with my entire circle of medical care. What does this entail? It involves communication with my physiotherapy team and receiving their reports. The mode of communication is secondary as long as it occurs. They must also engage with the specialist in medication, namely the pharmacist, whose sole responsibility is managing medication. Pharmacists handle all medications a patient uses and understand potential adverse interactions. Therefore, they must be integrated into the circle of care.
Any professional involved in your medical care, regardless of their role, must communicate with your primary care doctor. The primary care physician acts as the quarterback of your medical team, leading with support from other professionals. Effective leadership is contingent on communication. The most significant member of your circle of care is you. As the individual who understands your body best and communicates with every team member, you are the most valuable resource in the medical field.
However, due to a lack of questioning or accountability—perhaps because of the assumption that medical professionals are infallible—we often overlook their susceptibility to human error. Medical professionals are not robots, and even advanced AI cannot replace them within the circle of care. Hence, we should not treat doctors as if they are infallible.
In all countries, regardless of the structure of the medical system, the patient is essentially paying for a service. Hence, it is reasonable to expect high standards of care from healthcare providers. Even in public healthcare systems, taxpayers fund these services. It is important for patients to advocate for better care and demand clear communication and comprehensive treatment plans. Patients should ask questions and seek complete answers to make informed decisions regarding their health. Healthcare professionals must provide all necessary information to ensure that patients have the knowledge needed for their care. Remember, your body and health are of utmost importance and deserve proper attention and respect.
My standards are reasonable; they are what everyone should expect. A willingness to admit uncertainty. A willingness to include patients in all aspects of their care and listen when they express concerns. A willingness to communicate with the entire circle of care, regardless of its size. Patients should not simply comply; they should demand better, ask questions. It is their right, it is their body. If this becomes the norm, healthcare quality would improve overall, reducing pressure on emergency services.
How does this relate to my journey as an author? I have been without a consistent doctor for too long, resulting in poorly managed pain and emerging mental health issues. This makes it difficult for me to concentrate on writing and maintain consistency in my fictional world. It is challenging to generate ideas when flashbacks from PTSD dominate my thoughts. While I manage, some days are particularly hard. Some days, getting out of bed is difficult, not due to physical disabilities but due to the struggle of facing another day. All life aspects, including medical, contribute to the journey of becoming an author. You will see influences from my medical experiences in my writing as I progress.
Recently, I thought I had found a suitable doctor. However, certain comments stood out: “I get the gist of your medical history” and “You are on too many medications, which is why you have trouble sleeping.” How can he decide that I am on too many medications without knowing all my medical diagnoses or reasons for these medications? Such decisions require comprehensive information. Yes, I might refer others with basic needs to him, but not individuals with complex conditions like mine who need thorough and informed medical oversight. Properly handling medications is crucial, as errors could be fatal. I’ve experienced this before and wish to avoid it. It’s essential to have a doctor who values accuracy over always being right.
Most importantly, we need to learn to advocate for our own healthcare. It’s essential to ask questions, seek clarity, and make sure doctors are performing the necessary tests. Friends and family can help out by asking important questions and encouraging comprehensive exams. Advocacy starts with asking questions—just questioning can make a big difference. Let’s use this incident as motivation to demand higher standards in healthcare and protect ourselves and our loved ones from avoidable harm.
Above all, everyone must learn to advocate for their own care. Ask questions, seek clarity, and ensure that doctors perform necessary tests. Friends and family can also support by asking relevant questions and encouraging thorough medical evaluations. Advocacy starts with asking—the simple act of questioning can make a difference. Let this incident inspire us to demand better healthcare practices and protect ourselves and our loved ones from avoidable harm. Let’s start holding our doctors to a higher standard, let’s start holding ourselves as patients to a higher standard. The impact of this will be significant.
Stop Being a Compliant Patient. Ask Questions. Demand Answers.
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