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Readers Respond: For Dealing with Arrogant and Egotistical Doctors

Responses: 56

By , About.com Guide

Updated May 16, 2011

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Doctors view

I went through this discussion and comments.I would like to put the other side of the coin.I am a physician with special interest in diabetes. Nobody wants to become ill or spend money on health.Everyone takes for granted that howsoever he/she misuses the body the body should never give pain and trouble,but illness comes and with it comes the doctor.A good doctor should be a good human being first.If a patient is responsive and asks genuine questions it is always welcomed by majority of doctors.The problem arises when patient or their attendants have a stubborn attitude and do not follow the advice or suggestions given and when things take bad shape put the whole blame on the treating doctor with the excuse that I being the patient did not know the consequences and was acting out of ignorance,BUT you being the doctor should have done the right thing with FORCE.
—Guest aloke2@rediffmail.com

Well, Maybe

People can be arrogant for various reasons. My mom had an arrogant cardiologist and I think if she stuck with him instead of going to the braindead touchy-feely guy she might have lived longer. The way I look at it is - I have worked with arrogant people. Sometimes they are brilliant and extraordinarily technical and manage to hold on to knowledge and think creatively, like the tv doctor, House. This is the sort from whom I will put up with arrogance. If I want a doctor for my emotions, I'll get one, but the body, well that's a technical thing and specialists cannot keep up with their fields and how 'their' body part affects and is affected by the others, so I can compromise about the attitude sometimes. I try to ALWAYS do my homework. Most doctors, if you show some knowledge and interest and ask perceptive questions, will start opening up. If a doc is just too busy or seems addicted I don't go back. I am not shy about being arrogant back, if needed.
—goldengrain

Some aren't what they seem

Once I had to see the one of the world's top experts on shoulder problems at Massachusetts General Hospital. At our first meeting, he seemed very arrogant. However, when I came back for visit two, he had time to kill and we spent two hours after my scheduled visit talking about medical history, philosophy, etc. It turned out he was a nice and caring man. I'm glad I did not judge him on the basis of my first visit.
—Packingpadre

Interview doctors before you see them

If you interview a doctor before you even go for your first visit, asking questions such as how they would approach a problem etc you should be able to tell. If they pass the interview go for a visit. If in the visit they are arrogant and egomaniacs politely tell them they are not helpful, you won't be paying for the service and if they try to bill you, wou'll take them to court. Then LEAVE. There are plenty of doctors out there. BTW It took about 10 years for me to figure this out and another couple to actually do it but it works. I know have wonderful caring doctors.
—Guest Jaffa420

Been There Many Times...

Being a former healthcare professional for 20 years myself, I have both dealt with arrogant physicians on a personal basis in working along side of them, AND dealt with them as a recipient of mental healthcare. First off in my 20 years, the absolute most difficult ones to work with on either level are psychiatrists. When you are working with them as a healthcare professional, you have the luxery of "giving their attitude right back to them" and tell them you won't be treated in such a manner. I have done this many times in my 20 years and in most cases it works, whether with psychiatrists or any other type of arrogant, self-centered physician. In fact many times after I have done this, the next time I encounter the doctor they have a more "human" personality toward me and want to develop rapport and respect. But being a patient is a whole different ball of wax; I soon found that with psychiatrists the most productive thing you can do is find a new doctor!
—Steve784

I hear ya..

I can relate to all these stories and have one huge one of my own, a recent nightmare that I could have avoided, since i had strong premonitions about it...i am trying to overcome my anger and forgive myself for not listening to my guidance...i am in an internal fight now with myself...trying to use this experience for the good...
—Guest Mamzuba

Bring a Friend

Doctors are less likely to be rude to someone with a mental health problem if there is a "sane" witness.
—WarriorKat

This Works For Me

I've dealt with many arrogant doctors and know one when I see it. I am very concise with my issues - telling them what my symptoms are, my biggest fears and asking for their thoughts. I then summarize back what they've said as they often roll their eyes. I then ask what else it could be and also what doesn't fit their diagnosis. We then go on to treatment and I tell them what I am understanding asking questions to clarify. When we're done, I relay whatever other concerns and ask them to tell me what they've heard me ask. By this point, they are tapping their fingers or looking at the clock and some say they don't have time for this. I move to the door and tell them I am not moving til they answer me and if they try and get by me I'll scream. It works every time. You may think I'm kidding but I'm dead serious and I've never had a doctor say he won't work with me after that. This all assumes I really need this guy's expertise. I don't have to resort to it often though.
—Guest Char Brooks - Attorney/Patient Advocate

Arrogance

My doctor and I decided on the best treatment for my problem, and then during the surgery he used the device he thought was best. It does not work for me. To correct the problem is major surgery so I have to live with it. He still feels he did the right thing.
—Guest jm

NOT LISTENING

HI, In the 9 yrs. that I'm ill I was told it was "all in my head", Just menopause (I'm still not in it), & anxiety. I finally did get a correct diagnosis with gastro problems. But I am still dealing with another unknown illness. So, a Dr. told me (even though I'm married) in front of my husband, that I should get a boyfriend & drink alcohol!! He was joking, but still!! Judy K. Chicago.
—Guest JUDY K.

Not listening

My worst was a doctor who wouldn't believe when I told him about a side effect of the meds because he'd never had anyone have that adverse reaction. I made him read the smallprint in the meds leaflet, and though he was skeptical I got him to change it. Arrogant SOB thought I was making it up.
—Guest Rai

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