Fairness to Doctors

I'm writing this Blog entry in response to an anonymous reader who posted a comment regarding the generally negative way people view doctors, on my March 15 Blog entry titled, "Sign From God?"

During my two years of cancer, I've been alarmed at how many patients just entrust their lives to their doctors without ever questioning or seeking information to educate themselves about their own conditions. I've also been surprised at how cynical and negative some people are about doctors, accusing them of being incompetent, heartless, or motivated by money rather than compassion.

I've worked hard to find a team of doctors who are competent, compassionate, and, I believe, have my best interests at heart. My mastectomy surgeon and oncologist, especially, have shown me what is truly honorable about this profession. I know doctors get a bad rap for their arrogance, but these two doctors have never let their egos get in the way of offering me the best treatment they could, no matter how many times I questioned or disagreed with them. To me, that's a sign of not just compassion, but true intelligence and wisdom.

But I'm not their only patient. They treat dozens, maybe a hundred patients a week and they can make the occasional mistakes or can be a bit brusque and hurried at times. They're human.

We're all guinea pigs every time we try something new. I don't think that's necessarily a derogatory or incorrect characterization. In oncology, doctors are sometimes forced to try new treatments on their patients without the safety net of a long and proven track record. Cancer research can be so fast-paced and studies and results so skewed and open to interpretation, it's up to the doctor to find the best choices he can offer his patients. AND it's up to the patient to investigate these choices and participate in the decision-making process.

My doctors have tried a number of unproven treatments on me. Some of them have worked and some have not. But I never felt my doctors were putting my life at unnecessary risk. They provided me with ample information and answered all my questions about the risks we'd be taking and allowed me full participation in the decision. If it hadn't been a two-way process, I'd be leaving the entire decision and the burden of responsibility on the doctors, and that's not fair to them.

I don't think all doctors are out to make money, but sadly, there are enough out there to give the rest of the profession a bad reputation. I, for one, have come across doctors whom I suspect are digging into their own profits to offer discounted treatments to patients.

The best medical care requires participation from both sides. Doctors have years of medical education, training, and experience that no amount of research I can do will match. I have years of living in my own body and knowledge of how I physically feel that no amount of medical training will match.

I think patients should take some responsibility for their treatment. It's a doctor's job, but it's the patient's life. Job versus life. Who has a greater stake in the outcome?