One of most important issues in the medical care today is the need to
ensure that every patient gets professional treatment. Unfortunately,
that won't be possible until medical practitioners, and particularly
doctors who are entrusted with patient's lives, commit to it. When a
doctor registers years and several cases of misdiagnosis,
non-professional conduct and patient abuse/mistreatment, it should be a
sign of an ending career if not time for him/her to change to the
better. The situation is worse when patients continue narrate their
worst experiences with the doctor publicly. Patients should check the
following whenever they plan to visit a doctor in a hospital or
healthcare center.
Doctor's professionalism
When one patient raises a concern about misdiagnosis and improper
medication by a certain doctor, that may be understood, but complains
from many patients may raise an alarm as is the case with Dr. Jerry
Tenenbaum, especially so because the claims dwell on lack of
professionalism. Worse still when there are more negative than are
positive reviews, and considering that many patients in pain are less
likely to be offensive.
"...he does not take the time needed to contentiously provide proper
treatment to his patients. I feel that his negligence is one of the
main reasons for decline in my health condition, as I was not provided
with the right treatment for my pain." One patient said of the
Rheumatologist who is based in Victoria, British Columbia.
Patients who walk into any hospital or health center are entitled to and have a right to be given quality, professional care, otherwise, their health must not be made worse by any doctor. In addition, a doctor providing treatment should be prepared to offer nothing less than better healthcare to help his patient, otherwise, he or she must be prepared to quit public service.
"Dr. Tenenbaum's meds caused chronic hypertension. He does not take the time to give proper treatment like other doctors." Another said of him.
In fact, a doctor who fails to practice professionalism should be
prepared to face consequences of his/her actions given the sensitivity
of health issues as they relate to people's lives. One patient even went
ahead to say that he hopes the doctor will one day be charged with
healthcare malpractice.
Doctor's interest in paying attention to patients' problems
Forget about a doctor's personal traits even though we know how
important they are for a medical professional who interacts with the
sick everyday! An important part of diagnosis is listening to patients
in order to determine the root cause of the problem. That alone ensures
that the doctor offers the right diagnosis. Not so for Dr. Tenenbaum
according to his previous patients. The two above do not complete the
list of those who noted that the doctor did not take time to diagnose
the problem. An outstanding case is where a patient who had been
referred to him with a case history file and had to point out to him the
results of the relevant test because Tenenbaum was too quick to notice
as he never went through the file thoroughly, even though his treatment
recommendation was to be based on the test.
An effective doctor cannot treat problems based on what he/she thinks
or feels: he must check the symptoms first. More than one patient seems
to be complaining that the doctor has previously rushed them into
solutions or he is quick as if not interested, and as one patient puts
it, "...as if he had somewhere else to be." One patient said the
doctor's office has a revolving door because a patient should be out as
soon as he gets in.
Doctor's respect and concern for patients
A doctor who recognizes that every patient deserves respect like himself/herself is less likely to abuse and talk rude to patients. He/she is also likely to offer better care, recognizing that they deserve it. That is where character comes in health care! Reviews from patients tell a different story for Dr. Tenenbaum who they describe as rude and arrogant. One patient narrated how he left the hospital crying after a demeaning experience with the doctor.
"...He is very abrupt and offensive. I have fibromyalgia so am in severe pain all the time. He gave me no new information and said to exercise religiously and to cut out carbs. He poked me in the stomach and said "You have to lose that". It was very demeaning and I left crying. I dread having to go back to him.”
What should you do?
- As a patient, recognize that it is your right to get professional
services. Any doctor should offer that without excuse whatsoever. It is
your right to get adequate information about the problem in question
too, and you should too insist on that.
-Reviews from other patients should help in judging whether a doctor
should be entrusted with the lives of patients, and guiding others in
selecting the best doctor.
- A rude doctor is not a reason to get treated unfairly. If he does
not listen, he/she should not offer the solution. Seek second opinion if
in doubt and report if the doctor abusive.
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