I have a patient whose daughter is also a doctor (an actual medical doctor!), and she's very involved in her father's care. Which is fine, except when it's weird. I call her with some lab results...
"So... the labs came back. Everything's basically looking fine, but I'd like to start him on [drug A] -- I think he'll benefit from it."
"You'll send me the lab results?"
"Of course."
"Okay, let me take a look and I'll call you back once I have all the information."
"Sure, fine."
***
"So I looked at the lab results. You think [drug A] is better than [drug B]?"
"Yeah, we tend to give [drug A]."
"Well, I think we should do [drug B]."
"I'd rather check with my attending first, if that's okay."
"Sure, call me back."
***
"Uh, I guess we can try [drug B], that's fine."
"What dosage were you thinking?"
"[Dosage]."
"Yeah, me too. So I can just call that in for my father, that's great."
"Uh... you don't want me to call it in?"
"No, no, I like to manage all of his meds."
"Okay..."
"And if you could do [these three tests] next time you see him..."
"Sure..."
"I'll e-mail you a reminder before his next visit."
"Okay..."
"Great. My father and I think we like you."
"Uh, thanks, but I'm not really doing much-- you seem to have it all under control. Not even really sure why you need me, to be honest."
"Oh, well, he obviously needs a doctor!"
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Do your parents have health problems? Have you figured out that one of their doctors is incompetent? Not saying that what your patient's daughter is doing is a good thing, but once those things have happened to you, you'll understand the temptation.
ReplyDeleteShe's a total control freak though.
Oh wow! That would drive me crazy!! Enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteSeems like a good idea to have dad seen by a second doc who isn't as close to the patient. Might see something she missed or have additional insight. Also, the idea of doing certain exams on my own family members creeps me out.
ReplyDeleteShe and her father "like" you. Is she single? ;)
ReplyDelete