“Who’s that?” the man asks the angel.
“Oh, him,” replies the angel. “That’s God. He thinks he’s a doctor!”
We’ll pause a moment while you gather yourself (ahem). While it’s a funny story (come on – laughter is good for you!), the joke points to an age-old problem of doctors taking an omniscient approach to patient care. Their word is passed down from the mountain top, and woe be the mere mortals who might question it.
Because of all the long, grueling hours spent in college and medical school, plus the never-ending demands of a busy medical practice, many doctors have developed a somewhat brusque attitude with patients. This can be intimidating for many people, since they don’t have a medical background and presume that they need to do what the doctor is recommending.
The latter assumption isn’t necessarily true. Remember, doctors are human beings, and often they are exploring the range of maladies that your medical condition may suggest. In an age where malpractice lawsuits are rampant and insurance is mandatory, many doctors feel it’s better to test and make sure, than guess and perhaps err.
According to a study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety, an estimated 12 million adults who go for outpatient medical are misdiagnosed every year. Obviously, there is plenty of room for improvement. The first step is taking a proactive role in your health. Like the old saying goes, "it doesn't hurt to ask."