Doctors. Our doctors. Your doctor. My doctor. Just as we, their patients are all different, we might say that it’s the same with them. No two docs are exactly alike. So, what do you look for in a doctor? What’s most important to you?
For some people it’s important that their doc is nice – kind and caring. Others aren't so concerned with their doc's personality as they are that he or she orders the right tests and reports the results promptly. Yet others find it really important that their doc is up on the latest research and developments in their disease - so if a new medication or procedure comes out, their doc knows all about it and makes it possible for them to try it.
A good doctor knows that the more we know about our disease, the better we can manage it. If they say that we “ask too many questions,” we may need to think about finding a new doc – one who isn’t threatened by questions but accepts us as patients who are eager to know what’s going on. Our doctors should accept us as equal partners in our care and health management. Do you come away from check-ups feeling empowered as a patient?
Living day after day with a chronic disease can knock you down physically and emotionally. You may feel empowered now, at this time in your life with COPD, but it’s not always easy to get to that point. You may have had to work at asserting yourself and keeping up your self-confidence in working with your doctor. Or maybe you’ve recently been diagnosed with COPD, and you’re just beginning to learn about the disease and how to work with your doctor.
Whether you’ve managed this disease for a while or you’re just starting out on your journey with COPD, the questions remain. What do you look for in a doc? What’s most important to you?
Let’s talk. I look forward to hearing from you!