Doctor Strengths and Limitations

Unfortunately, a few highly publicized incidents have attacked the doctor/patient relationship.. In some cases, doctors have made genuine grievious errors in judgment and logic that have cost their patients dearly. At other points, other interests have made a point of creating bad press for doctors in order to gain popular support for various health options. When trying to sort through all this to get back to a good relationship with your doctor, remembering what your doctor is and isn't is often a good idea.

Doctors are people who went to school for a very long time in order to learn as much as possible about health care and the science thereon. They are extremely well educated in their field and have a much deeper and broader grasp on the subject than most of us ever care to study for. They have learned the difference between statistical proof and anecdotal evidence, they have learned how to properly diagnose most diseases, and they have learned how to guard against sneaky medical conditions that often cause complications and confusion. Doctor advice is usually quite well informed.

Doctors are not perfect. They can't ever be perfect. Doctors are human beings who get tired, get frustrated, and sometimes even forget things. Does this mean we shouldn't trust them? Well, do you trust yourself, imperfect as you are? Most doctors are as trustworthy as any good person can be. Their higher education and time spent on health care mean that they're better at health care than we are, not that they're perfect paragons of the healing arts. They've become experts at medical care, and as such their opinion should be considered and respected. Do expect your doctor to be careful and precise, but don't expect perfection or you'll never have a doctor at all.

Doctors are not ultimately responsible for your well being. If you don't tell your doctor that you're allergic to penicillin and he or she gives you some, you will be the one who has to go to the emergency room. Your doctor will feel absolutely terrible about what happened, but you're the one that has to deal with the permanent health consequences. That makes you ultimately responsible for your own health and well being. This is why informed consent is so important. If you can't understand the benefits and risks of a particular medication or procedure that your doctor wants for you, how can you say yes or no in any meaningful way? Take responsibility for your own understanding and health.

Doctors and doctor treatments are an invaluable resource. If we didn't have doctors, we would all have to get an incredible amount of education about our own health problems. In addition, if we couldn't get surgeons to help us, then surgery would become more than a little difficult as we try operating on ourselves. Your doctor can and should be your best ally in your quest for a long, happy and healthy life. Just remember that your doctor is not a deity of medicine, always perfect and ultimately responsible for everything that happens to you. Doctors are respected authorities who have a lot of information and help to share with you. By treating your doctor with respect and taking responsibility for your own health, you ensure the best possible outcome for your own life.

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