Over the past few weeks, several patients I saw faced a common challenge. This is a situation I have confronted in the past, but what was unique recently is that multiple patients in a short period of time were in the same situation.
This was not a medical issue. In fact, many of the individuals were feeling
perfectly well. This was not a financial
issue, such as the patients were in the dreaded ‘doughnut’ or their particular
medications were not covered by their insurance companies. This was not a second opinion request from
patients who suspected that their gastroenterologist (GI) of record may have
missed something.
Here’s what happened. A gastroenterology practice that had been in the community for decades closed down. Suddenly, tens of thousands of patients with an array of digestive maladies were let loose to find a new digestive nest to occupy. I’m sure that every GI within 20 miles of my office has been affected. Many of them have landed on my schedule and I expect this will continue over the weeks and months to come.
Finding a new nest
This is a challenge both for the patients and the new GI
specialists. The patients I have seen
all loved their prior GI some of whom were treated by their practice for decades. These
were not dissatisfied patients who were seeking advice elsewhere. They were happy and satisfied where they
were. And now they were forced to sit
across from a new doctor – a perfect stranger – who faced the task of trying to
lay out a pathway to a new relationship.
This isn’t easy and both parties must contribute to the
success of the effort. The physician must be mindful of how disruptive and
anxious this process is for the patients and their families. Patients must recognize that the physician
cannot be expected to quickly replicate a rapport that may have taken years to
establish. Additionally, physicians, as
individual human beings, cannot be expected to have similar personality trains
and practice philosophy. Patients and
physicians need to exhibit some understanding and flexibility as they both
enter the new nest.
Change is always challenging and particularly so when it is
unexpected. There may also be some
unexpected upside. The new physician, who
brings no bias to the case, may offer some fresh insights on some old and
stubborn medical issues.
The doctor-patient relationship is the foundational unit of
medical care. Like all relationships, it
needs to be cultivated and nourished from time to time. Both sides need to give the other some space
to maneuver and shift a position when necessary in order to make progress together. So, if life conspires to put you in front of
a new doctor, consider it an opportunity rather than a challenge.
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