A few of my recent posts have addressed some of the things that patients might say to their doctors and how doctors may interpret them.

“I’ve tried everything…”

“I know my body…”

And, please understand, my intention here is not to create insecurity or paranoia about how patients interact with their doctors! We sincerely want you to be as open and honest as you can be.

In fact, a doctor’s ability to help a patient is extremely dependent on the rapport that the two can develop together.

Trust and open communication are critical!

The broader commentary is on my observation that culturally, some patients are starting to view doctors not as professionals to whom they come to for advice and counsel about their health, but as vendors whom they come to for a product.

Admittedly, ‘medicine’ finds itself in an odd position – straddling the line between these domains. On one side, it is incumbent upon doctors to say and do what is in the ‘ultimate good’ for the patient. Much like a parent or teacher, this can come across as overly paternal – especially if our patient doesn’t particularly like what we have to say.

“Some of your lifestyle choices are seriously harming your body,” would be an example of the ‘tough-love’ that doctors often have to demonstrate.

On the other side, we have the ‘business’ attributes of the medical world which are driven less by objective health outcomes and more by the emotional appeal of the doctor or practice.

For example, if a doctor is primarily interested in having good reviews, they might only say or do what they think the patient wants, and neglect what they may actually need in order to be healthier.

Doctors really need to balance these qualities. We have to be both honest, and likable. We need to get our patients healthy, and have them want to see us again. 🙂

But, if you had to choose between them, which doc would you want?

I’ve had patients who have clearly communicated both sides to me.

One patient says, “Doc, tell it to me straight. I’m open to your advice and want you to help me become healthier, even if I don’t immediately like what you have to say.”

And another says, “Doc, I honestly don’t care what you have to say. I’ve heard it all before. This is what I want from you.”

Personally, I think the former gets far better care than the latter.

I recognize that this is an issue that most doctors would never bring up because it is a little ‘touchy,’ but I think it is important to think about – especially if you want the best care possible.

Also, remember that my book, What Every Patient Should Know, covers all sort of things that you can do to get better, more efficient care from your medical providers. That is truly my ultimate purpose in these posts.

I appreciate any of your thoughts or feedback on this or other topics that I have posted about!