Granted, all of us have the right to a second opinion, but not all doctors are created equal. I say this from personal experieince as I do work in a medical environment, primarily mental health.

Unfortunately, I find that there are some doctors who seem to think that no one should question their definitive diagnosis, especially with patients in their care. They either refuse to give a referral or "fire" the patient. I have always encouraged patients that they are the ones to "hire" their doctor of choice. If these professionals are unwilling to encompass an all around treatment plan for said patients, than it is any patient's right to "fire" that doctor. Especially is this so when a patient's religious convictions are not respected, primarily having to do with the desire not to receive blood.

I truly feel for patients who are in need of quality care and for some reason are unable to get this type of care. (especially with substanced induced disorders, NOS). Granted...a lot of it stems from the patient's perspective of how "quality" care is defined but not to refer someone for a second opinion or to somehow allow the patient to think that their treatment care is to be rigidly imposed does not bode well for the majority of doctors, nurses, or anyone else tied to the medical aspect of patient care who genuinely have their patient's health interest at heart.

I applaud any MD, DO, RN, PA, etc., who is willing to listen to the research a patient has initiated upon themselves and can incorporate, within their zone of treatment comfort, some of the suggestions offered. In this regard, I am quite fortunate to have a family physician who is willing to listen/learn that there could be another treatment avenue to be explored, especially when it comes to alternative healthcare. After all...total patient care includes the all around person and not just the physical symptoms being addressed. The spiritual aspect, especially the patient's belief regarding his relationship with his God, contributes enormously to the mental health of said patient.

I appreciate patience initiated when reading my response. Perhaps working where I do has allowed me to become a very strong, and sometimes tactless, patient advocate. I have always wondered whether I should apologize for this. The answer - "No." (At least, not yet.)

__________________
Sybille
“Think highly of yourself
because the world takes you
at your own estimate.”