A Second Opinion?
Last night, one of my favourite cousins, Sprigadee, called me. We exchanged the usual pleasantries and then she told me that she had referred a friend of hers to me. She explained further that this friend had been to see….well let’s call him Dr. Experienced, about a skin problem, and was given an opinion. I do not know what this opinion is, nor do I know the diagnosis in question. Anyhow, as his name suggests, Dr. Experienced is the “grandfather” of Dermatology in this country, so to speak. In fact, he taught me a fair amount of what I know in Dermatology.
This patient wishes a second opinion, and I am the Dermatologist that has been recommended to give this second opinion??!
Now, all I can hope is that we give similar opinions, as who am I to question this man’s years of clinical experience?? Anyway, we will see how that goes.
It got me to share a little short story about Second Opinions.
One Saturday morning when I was an Intern (happily, one of the few when I was not required to go to work), the phone rang at my home. I answered. There was a woman asking for Dr. D. Now, I immediately was on my guard as when people call my home asking for me as such, I know this is not a social call. And secondly, I had only graduated from Medical School a few months before, and had only just started to get accustomed to being called, “Doctor”. (It is a hell of a frightening thing, one day you are a Medical student and then suddenly, the ability to heal the sick is thrust upon your shoulders! 
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I informed the person that Dr. D. was speaking. She introduced herself and informed me that I did not know her, but she knew who I was. It turns out that she worked at my Father’s office (and indeed, I did not know her.) She congratulated me on passing my final exams, for which I graciously said “Thank you.” (Now, here comes the tradeoff!)
“Could I ask you something?” I replied in the affirmative. “Well, I recently went to see Dr. Ventricle, and he told me that I have a hole in my heart that requires surgery. What do you think?”
Pause……first of all, let me say that Dr. Ventricle is one of the best Cardiologists in this country. He taught me in Medical School. Who am I to question his opinions?
I said to the woman. “Lady, as you say, I do not know you. I have not had the benefit of examining you. I am only an Intern and Cardiology was never an area that I excelled in. Dr. Ventricle TAUGHT me. I suggest that if he told you that you have a hole in your heart, you do. And, were I you, I would do whatever he tells me to!” (Can you really understand some people? 
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Anyhow, all patients as you well know, have the right to a Second Opinion, and a third if they so desire. Last but not least, sleep a call. Me gaan!
April 1st, 2003 at 11:18 pm Personally, I think you being sought out for a second opinion should be a compliment *no one ever said I could spell *S** ~ don’t worry so much about living up to your teacher’s expectations as you have obviously made your own mark in the medical field, however, as I have no doubt you will do, concentrate on your patient ~ as you stated yourself ~ each patient is entitled to a second, third and possible fourth opinion. Sometimes, it takes more than one opinion, even if from the best, to finally find out what the problem is and where is stems from. Just my two cents worth……..if worth that much
April 2nd, 2003 at 1:58 am Certainly people are entitled to 2nd opinions, but as you are into dermatology and Dr. Ventricle is the cardiologist it hardly seems right that you should be the one questioned on the cardiology matter. Makes no sense to me *shrug*. As for the one with the Dermatology problem, I do suppose that perhaps Sprigadee did think highly of you and though you are young this demonstrates respect for your attention and skill gained through your education and the time that you have to date been practicing. Have no fear, rely on your education and good judgement to get you through the follow-up consultation that has been suggested by your cousin.
April 2nd, 2003 at 9:09 am
April 2nd, 2003 at 9:50 am We defer to experts when we’re not sure about something. If that were not the case, my car would be in pieces in the garage and any broken limbs would have healed crooked (if they healed at all). Medicine especially is a practice. Sometimes a more experienced doctor, I imagine, has preconceived notions about a diagnosis. A younger doctor, I would guess, might see something differently – possibly spotting a different cause or additional ailment. I couldn’t fault anyone for seeking another viewpoint, especially when it comes to their health. It could confirm the first diagnosis, or provide more insight into the problem. That you are being sought for advice is good! That’s why you studied medicine, right?
April 2nd, 2003 at 8:38 pm Just tell her what you think it is! You’ll probably be spot on, rude bwoy.
April 2nd, 2003 at 9:25 pm Well, thanks to all of you for your confidence in me. I will most certainly do my best to give her a sound opinion, even if it differs from what my senior collegue thought.