> The lesson for me is that you must advocate for yourself and your loved ones in the medical system, because doctors will not do it for you; they may not even perform the most basic risk assessments. And you have to try to quantify risk yourself, because doctors will refuse to give you the slightest hint of any number attached to risk (I know, I've tried many times).
Doctors vary wildly, and that's part of the issue. For instance, my oncologist had zero problem rattling off mortality statistics. I've personally had doctors try to sell me surgery before identifying the issue, but I've also had doctors successfully talk me out of what would have been useful procedures by offering their risk/benefit assessment unprompted.
It's like any other field. If there are 10x and 0.1x engineers, you bet there are 10x and 0.1x doctors. A 1hr intake appointment isn't anywhere near enough time to judge even for folks in the field.
Doctors vary wildly, and that's part of the issue. For instance, my oncologist had zero problem rattling off mortality statistics. I've personally had doctors try to sell me surgery before identifying the issue, but I've also had doctors successfully talk me out of what would have been useful procedures by offering their risk/benefit assessment unprompted.
It's like any other field. If there are 10x and 0.1x engineers, you bet there are 10x and 0.1x doctors. A 1hr intake appointment isn't anywhere near enough time to judge even for folks in the field.