The Doctor I Fired

A few years ago, I didn’t like where my care was at. I had been in and out of the hospital and trying several biologics that were not working and others I found out I had been allergic to.

I never got a polite, welcoming vibe from this doctor in particular, though I really liked his staff. His staff was probably the only reason I chose to stay in his practice for as long as I did.

This doctor was rude and did not take a team approach to my care

This doctor was a rude sort of sarcastic. When in appointments, I have always believed in being open to a long-term plan, as well as a short-term plan. This doctor had zero interest in teamwork. I’m not for that and I made my opinion heard. I told him I have goals of completing more running events and at that time, I was still able to work full-time. My goals were simple - a better quality of life and being able to function at work without issue.

The moment I decided to fire my doctor

My follow up appointments only went from bad to worse, quickly. I quickly learned he truly didn’t care about any of my accomplishments despite surgery and several hospitalizations. I came into his office so proud of accomplishing a half marathon, just weeks after rectal surgery. I was so thrilled to be holding a large piece of metal that I had truly earned. I was met with ignorance and he didn’t even acknowledge that I was having a conversation with him. (And yes, I fired him).

Don’t ever let someone laugh at your goals or dreams. I left that office knowing I’d never be back to see him. I was livid. Maybe he didn’t mean to belittle or demean me - but he did. I squeamishly put the medal I had been so proud of into my purse and put it on the chair next to me. I was sick. Trying not to cry.

A doctor should not make you feel bad

Don’t ever let any doctor, nurse, or loved one make you feel less. Doctors can be replaceable - if your care team is not interested in having a teamwork type of relationship, it’s a huge red flag that their services are not for me at all.

Have you ever encountered this type of communication or felt insulted despite all the things you try to do? How do you handle those situations? Do you feel if someone else went with you to appointments it would have been the same situation?

*Does this advocate's experience resonate with you at all? We would love to hear your experiences, thoughts, and stories in the comment section below!*