I am dismayed to hear stories of patients who have had "failed" ADR surgeries only to be abandoned by their doctors. I also do not like hearing stories of doctors who are outright rude or who give pts. the one-minute shuffle to keep the production line up. We know who these doctors are and it goes against Board rules not to "doctor-bash".

But as patients, we should have clout so I hope that behind-the-scenes information is shared among us - those who need the surgery and those who've been there.

More than two cents.

Allan

You want to remember that surgeons have huge egos -- -- -- quite often they're very reluctant to apologise for failed surgeries, and many think that they are gods. (Please notice the small G.)
best,
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

Allan, you bring up some very good points. And some issues that I/we may need to reconsider.

For example, think about the whole Stenum ordeal. How many patients have NOT gone there as a result of people sharing their stories of misfortunes (thank you!)?

I think the manner in which these interactions are explained is what's important. Willie and other Stenum patients have been honest, clear and professional about all the circumstances surrounding their operations; little is obfuscated or left for the imagination.

The extremes here for sharing opinions about ADR doctors range from saying nothing, to a grading system which assesses the ENTIRE experience with the doctor, staff and patient outcome.

Food for thought.

I am pleased to say that my entire ADR experience has been a positive one. Along the way, my team of surgeons, specialists, case managers, and myself worked together to provide open communication, accessiblity, and professional dialog. I wish each person's ADR journey could resemble mine.

Here's hoping http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

You may be the exception.

You have got to exclude the European surgeons folks as Dr Z & B are exemplary in their behaviour to us all http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

This is a different generation of doctors/surgeons practicing, medicine is a different game these days, insurance has become a monster of sorts, and it appears good manners, courtesy and caring have gone by the wayside often with the fast pace of medicine. This is strictly from what I've seen working in the medical field in CA. and being a patient the last 20 some odd years.

I cannot speak for any other part of the country although I hear similar reports from patients all over the country.

A class with Miss Manners should be added to the modern medical school curriculum, although there is no teacher like life's experiences itself.

Humility and graciousness are characteristics that are always an asset to anyone involved in the medical field in care of human lives~

Interesting point. I wonder if having to document everything to CYA b/c of malpractice takes the fun out of it for doctors. It does me in my low-end position - a constrained feeling. And I heard back docs get sued perhaps the most.

Still...