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Why Am I Seeing A Fellow?! I Want My ‘Real’ Doctor!
Recently a LEMS patient went to the Mayo Clinic for an extensive workup. That person wasn’t happy with talking to someone they felt was not experienced and perhaps a bit rigid with interpretations of test results.
Just now, I read a post from a patient frustrated because they had to wade through a doctor still under supervision, before getting to speak with the “REAL DOCTOR’ who’s board-certified in the specialty. “I want to talk to my REAL doctor!”
I too have had these frustrations and become upset.
After many of these encounters, I finally began to realize what was going on. Experienced doctors have to teach new doctors how to be doctors. In my medical world, I am frequently seen at teaching clinics and hospitals. The VA Clinic and Hospital in Dallas is loaded with med students, Residents, and Fellows. When the VA sends me out to a specialist, it’s often to a U.T. Southwestern Medical School clinic, again where there are many Residents and Fellows Working.
Just this year I had eye surgery at a U.T. Southwestern clinic. The office visit pattern always went like this. I’m tested and shown to a room. The first person is usually a tech to take the information. The second person in is a Fellow in training. He/she/they do a complete office visit with a physical eye exam. Then, shortly after, my REAL eye surgeon comes in. He literally repeats the exact same exam. I’m wise to this pattern now. It’s happened so many times, with so many doctors, in so many practices. Because of this, I now generally save all my important questions for the surgeon. I want to hear his evaluation, recommendations, and guidance. I provide everything the Fellow wants but understand his exam and evaluation is not the last word.
I hope this helps you next time you’re in a teaching hospital, clinic, or even in a private practice that has visiting students there to learn and get experience.
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