The Doctor's Impact on Patient Feelings: A Personal Account

Every patient has had a moment when their experience with a healthcare professional leaves a significant impact on their feelings. In my journey with healthcare, I've encountered a range of experiences, both positive and negative. Doctors have been dismissive, callous, and have even hurt my feelings with their words. This article shares my personal story and insights on how doctors can improve their approach to patient care.

Initial Encounters and Bias

One encounter that stands out was with a new doctor at the surgery where I first mentioned having taken 'IV drugs,' without realizing the implication these words could carry. The doctor immediately asked, 'When did you last take IV drugs? ' I was taken aback and asked, 'What do you mean?' He then referred to my medical records. However, my records indicated no history of drug abuse, and he couldn't understand why the previous doctor had queried me about it.

Chronic Illness and Misdiagnosis

Chronic illness adds an extra layer of complexity to the doctor-patient relationship. For instance, a mysterious illness that persisted for six months despite normal test results and a clear abnormal state only added to the frustration. My primary care doctor suggested running a basic endocrine panel, which led to elevated cortisol levels and a discussion about Cushing's syndrome. However, when the doctor mentioned that this condition is typically caused by tumors on the adrenal glands instead of the pituitary gland, and added that I 'don’t want that,' I felt an unwarranted fear.

My experience highlights how a doctor's choice of words can impact a patient's emotional state. Such remarks can be perceived as dismissive or even hurtful, especially when the patient is already dealing with significant physical and emotional challenges.

Empathy and Misunderstandings

Empathy and effective communication are crucial in healthcare. Unfortunately, these attributes are not always present in every doctor's practice. For example, my experience with a doctor who worked up a rare cancer diagnosis highlighted the importance of clear communication. When the doctor stated, 'This is good news you don't want one [a paraganglioma],' it reinforced the notion that the diagnosis is something to be avoided.

This phenomenon, where doctors present diagnoses or test results in a way that may unintentionally minimize the patient's experience, is not unique to my situation. It's a common complaint among chronically ill patients who feel that their symptoms are not being taken seriously.

Women's Health and Misunderstandings

Women seeking medical attention often face additional challenges, including dismissive attitudes and downplaying of symptoms. Even female practitioners can contribute to these biases. In my case, I had a routine physical where my health was deemed excellent based on standard metrics. However, when I sought care for ongoing symptoms, I was asked multiple times about OTC treatments, which seemed like a routine and dismissive approach rather than a genuine concern.

Further, the discussion around weight and its impact on health can be particularly sensitive for women. My previous doctor had agreed that my A1C, cholesterol, and blood pressure were excellent, and I felt it inappropriate to be lectured about my weight, especially when I had already reduced my caloric intake and exercised regularly.

Conclusion

Every patient experiences a unique journey with healthcare professionals. The way a doctor communicates and approaches a patient can significantly impact the latter's feelings. Empathy, clear communication, and genuine concern are essential in building a positive doctor-patient relationship, especially for those dealing with chronic illness or facing an unknown diagnosis. Health practitioners must strive to improve their communication skills and be more attuned to the emotional needs of their patients.