A Physician's Story

Redbanker
Redbanker Member Posts: 36
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
This was on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times yesterday, September 2, with the title "When Doctors Become Patients". The author is Eric D. Manheimer,the medical director of Bellevue Medical Center and three years ago he noticed a lump on his neck. And even though I've already seen this movie, I had to keep reading.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/opinion/when-doctors-become-patients.html?scp=1&sq=squamous&st=cse

It's a good essay in that despite his education and experience, he was as battered by this treatment both physically and psychologically as the typical layman--perhaps more. It's a great illustration of my late physician father's dictum: Statistics don't mean a damn thing when it's you.

I'm not sure if links are kosher on this board. If not, just go to the Times site. Even with their pay wall, you can get 20 articles a month at no charge.

A great weekend to all.

Nancy

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #2
    Hi Nancy
    Yes we all use links all the time, and thanks so much that is a great post I want my daughter to read it.

    Wishing you the best
    Hondo
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #3
    Thanks, that was an
    Thanks, that was an interesting article. I don't think anyone can be prepared for this treatment.
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #4
    jim and i said:

    Thanks, that was an
    Thanks, that was an interesting article. I don't think anyone can be prepared for this treatment.

    Nancy
    Thank you. A very good read. Brings to mind that thing about the Onco and Rad when the going gets/got rough for each of us, and wondering how well those Drs would handle what they've done to us- spend some time in our shoes. My Onco and PCP did a great job in providing what I needed to get thru as well as I did, and with minimal pain- but what about the Drs who fall short in that regard?

    I might note, the Dr who submitted this to the New York Times did have a PEG. And that could be an interesting case study: what percentage of those in the Medical community who go thru typical H&N get a PEG, and when- relative to before or during tx.

    Thank you

    kcass
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #5
    Here is a link to the article.
    WHEN DOCTORS BECOME PATIENTS ARTICLE
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #6
    .

    .
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #7
    Apparently I'm stuttering again.
    .
  • pascotty
    pascotty Member Posts: 174 Member
    #8
    Nancy
    Great article xxxx

Discussion Boards