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How to Avoid P*ssing Off the Doctor in One Easy Step
OK – granted – I used that title to get your attention, but there’s a lesson here for all of us whether we use it for our clients, or for ourselves, or for a loved one — and that is — how to share information you have learned about symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, without putting your provider on the defensive, or upsetting him / her. Too often I hear people I know, or (worse) a health or patient advocate, say “I TOLD that doctor … (fill in the blank)”. Argh. It makes me cringe. Because such an approach will most definitely elicit the opposite response to what they intended. We’ll begin by putting this shoe on the other foot…. Suppose you’ve been baking chocolate chip cookies all your adult life. These are cookies that are SO VERY EXCELLENT that you have developed a fine reputation for them. They are sought after for all the best bake sales. You are legend among your neighbors for showing up with a plate of cookies when family is coming in from out of town, or they are celebrating something big. YOU and DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES have become synonymous in everyone’s mind. You’re very proud (even if only secretly) of your fine chocolate chip cookie reputation. Not that you go around boasting about it – you wouldn’t do that. But you know that when it comes to chocolate chip cookies, you are da bomb. Recently, new neighbors moved in across the street, a young couple with little children. It’s time to take some of your most excellent cookies to them as a welcome gift. “Oh, thank you!” the young wife exclaims. Please come in! She offers one of your cookies to each of her children, one to her husband, and takes a bite of one herself. “You know – these are good. But you should put peanuts in them. I did that once and my family loved them.” [Let’s pause to see how that statement feels to you….] Are you angry? Insulted? Are you thinking, “Who the h*ll is this chick to tell ME…