health} I challenge each of us to become more involved in our medical decisions, who we seek care from, and where we are treated, when possible. It is our individual responsibility and right to ask questions, conduct research, and make decisions about our own health and healthcare, if we are afforded the time to do so, and when our insurances allow. up and/or lack of involvement in a process of active learning from what works and doesn’t work as described. Feel free to ask if your doctor has made mistakes and how he/she has dealt with them (we’ve all made them).
2. Conduct your research. There are several doctor-rating websites
where patients share their reviews and experiences with physicians. Best of all, ask your friends and family members whom they’ve seen and if they feel better or have seen improvement as a result of the care. Speaking to family and friends is always a good place to start when looking or a new doctor to help you through a medical issue. High-quality doctors typically have a large roster of patients who are happy to recommend them, and while they may take longer to see, many are willing to prioritize emergencies.
3. Know Their Specialty & Training. Not all specialists have the same training. Be sure the physician you are seeing is certified by the appropriate Board(s) of their specialty. If you're considering foot or ankle surgery by a podiatric surgeon, for example, make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery (www.acfas. org) in the type of surgery you are considering (some are certified in foot surgery, others in rearfoot / ankle surgery, some both). Be sure they have privileges with your preferred hospital. 4. Ask a nurse or other hospital support staff. Hospital employees have a wealth of information about doctors in town. Ask who they go to for advice or treatment. Remember, a surgeon shouldn’t be chosen simply for how fast he/she conducts a surgery in the operating room, but by the long-term results. 5. Get a second opinion. If you're undergoing treatment with a specialist and aren't comfortable with the doctor's recommendations, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. In the end, while stories of physicians whose priorities are anything other than our well-being are indeed concerning, the majority of doctors are honest, ethical people who place their patients' best interests first. So, should you trust your doctor? Yes.
But it is your right and responsibility to ask questions and do your research.
Dr. Esther Barnes, DPM, FACAS
practices at Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Clinic in Kalispell, where she enjoys treating all foot and ankle concerns. She is certified, in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery, by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
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