Polly - I Hope You Understand . . .

[tex]

(and I hope that everyone else here understands, also), that the uncomplimentary remarks that I so often make about the medical profession, are definitely not directed at you, (nor at pediatric medicine), but at the "good old boy" clique that seems to "dictate" major medical policies, and appears to represent everything that's bad about modern medicine.

I apologize, but I just don't seem to be able to help myself, and I notice that I've already done it a couple of times this morning. I'm not even sure that this little peccadillo is my fault - after all, they make themselves such tempting targets.

Words can't describe how fortunate we are, and how appreciative we are, that you are willing to find the time in your busy schedule to be a vital part of this family, and to share information, thoughts, and experiences with us. You are truly appreciated, and I hope you realize how much you mean to all of us.

If this bad habit really bugs you, (and I can certainly understand how it might), I can probably find a way to force myself to tone it down a bit, (but it won't be easy, of course, after practicing it for so many years. ).

Much love, dear friend,

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

same same from me my cynacsim is not aimed at individuals....
nothing i say is aimed at Polly and anyone who has been blessed with a great GI Specialist or great GP.

tex - saying what you think is not a bad habit. I see it as an element of our survival! We are dealing with reality, facts, limitations and trying to optimise the quality of our lives via informed self management.

[Polly]

Tex,

That's very sweet of you to consider my feelings, but you really don't need to worry. I am often uncomplimentary myself about my own profession, as you have seen. And don't worry, if I think a comment is truly unfair, I'll try to show another perspective. I won't be offended. And thank you for the kind words.

A question occured to me today. Maybe you or someone else knows the answer. I'll preface my question by stating that I know absolutely nothing about the way medicine is practiced in the military. So, I'm wondering if one is allowed to challenge or disagree with a military doc if one is in the service? I know that chain of command is key to how the military operates............so if one challenges one's doc or refuses to go along with his treatment recommendations, is it considered insubordination? I was just thinking about how we MCers end up knowing more than our docs and often have to disagree with them (witness Gloria's post after her recent doc visit). It might be particularly tricky in the military.

Love,

Polly

[tex]

Polly,

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the right to challenge is always determined by the respective ranks of doctor and patient, (unless, of course, the patient happens to be the General's son ). Since the entry-level rank for an MD in most branches of military service is "Captain", (above first lieutenant and below major), enlisted personnel are pretty much stuck with very limited rights, regarding their health care options. They can address their doctor either by the title "Doctor", or by the doctor's rank, but I doubt that they could get away with challenging a prescribed treatment plan, unless they outrank the doctor, (or their father or mother outranks him or her).

Love,
Tex

[Jan]

Polly,

I have not had any direct action with military Drs but was raised in the military. My sister married a Air Force gentleman (officer) and he finally retired a couple of years ago. My niece had a tick in North Dakota and started showing symptoms of lyme disease. She had to fight through a variety of channels to finally get her to San Antonio and full treatment there. I would suspect it is even harder as an enlisted person, since all the Drs. are officers. Some facilities have started to use contract civilian Drs. Those might be easier to challenge. Hope this gives you some insight.

Jan

[mbeezie]

I wish we could clone Polly . . . I am also a member of the cynical, jaded club when it comes to doctors. Polly has a lot to teach other docs (Tex too) . . . weren't you two tossing around the idea of writing a book a while back????

Mary Beth

[tex]

. . weren't you two tossing around the idea of writing a book a while back????

Believe it or not, we discussed that today. You must have overhead us talking about it.

Tex

[wonderwoman]

Tex and Polly, Go for it! You have a wealth of information that needs to be shared.

weren't you two tossing around the idea of writing a book a while back?

???

[gowest]

I second that! A book on MC and treatments would be AWESOME!

[Joefnh]

Can I get a copy signed by the author?

--Joe

[tex]

Can I get a copy signed by the author?

Sure, but that request may be a year or two premature.

Tex

[Joefnh]

Given the probable popularity and success I figured I would get in line early...


--Joe

[kimtg68]

Polly,

Some facilities have started to use contract civilian Drs.
Jan

Jan is correct that many installations have contracted out civilian Drs now. I am the wife of a retired soldier and dealt with the military medical community for 20+ years. Even if a soldier see's an out ranking doctor, he still has the right to a second opinion. And unless this has changed in recent years, at one time you were not allowed to sue a military doctor. After all you were getting free health care. It's been close to 10 years since my husband retired and we now see civilian doctors because we live outside a certain mileage range of a military installation so we are allowed to choose our own family doctor and I'm so happy about that. If you live within that range you have to go on post and see those doctors and you rarely see the same one twice. You just get whomever is available for appointments. YUK!

[kimtg68]

I, too, think Tex and Polly should write a book. There just aren't any book on MC that I've been able to find in our local bookstores.

[harma]

Can't wait for the MC book to be ready!!! I will be the Europe distributor