Monday, Oct. 06, 2008
Too Much Patient Choice
"My doctor says there are three different operations and two different chemotherapy options, and I have to choose." This is an unfair position in which doctors place patients, under the guise of empowering them. Freedom of choice is essential, but often in medicine it's used to offset a physician's liability. Always ask your doctor "What's the best choice, and why?" or "What would you do in my shoes, and why?" If you trust your doctor's judgment and credentials, rely on his or her years of experience to inform your choice. Your doctor should be able to guide you. And if you simply can't trust your doc, just leave.