How to Pick The Right Doctor

Cancer might be out of your control, but who you have beside you isn’t.

Try finding a general/family doctor you trust before you face big life changes and decisions. Oftentimes, if you find someone you trust, they’ll have helpful recommendations for specialty doctors (like oncologists) if you ever need one.

 

As many of us know, not all doctors are the same. And while it’s beneficial that just like the patients they see, doctors come with different personalities, experiences, and ways of connecting with their patients, it can be challenging to find a doctor who aligns with who you are and what you need — especially when faced with a new cancer diagnosis. 

Sometimes goals, methods, and personalities can clash between patients and their doctors. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, plus potential months/years of treatment and follow-up scans, it’s more important than ever to have a doctor you trust and who understands who you are.

When you’ve just been told, “You have cancer,” everything can feel scary and fast. You’re told that something dangerous is happening to your body, and it’s important to act as quickly as possible. Suddenly, you’re given a to-do list with no instructions on how to complete it. It can feel daunting, or even impossible, to make long-term decisions that affect your care. 

So how do you pick the right doctor for you?

To find a doctor you trust, it’s important to consider these three things: goals, methods, and personality. Here are some questions to ask yourself when trying to find a doctor:

Goals

What do you desire from receiving care? 

    • Do you want to be healthy again, just like you were before?
    • Do you want to be around for as long as possible?
    • Do you want to be as pain-free as possible?

Methods

How do you want to receive care?

    • Do you want more guidance/help navigating this process?
    • Do you want a more “hands-off” approach that puts you in the driver’s seat?
    • Do you want the least invasive treatments possible?
    • Do you want to try every possible option, like new innovative trials?

Personality

How do you want these goals and methods communicated?

    • Do you want someone who is laid back and lighthearted?
    • Do you want someone who is to the point and analytical?
    • Do you want someone who is positive and energetic? 
    • Do you want someone with a realistic perspective? Neither “the glass is half full” nor “the glass is half empty.”

Understanding your own personality and which personality types make you feel most comfortable is helpful when choosing a doctor you trust. 

At the end of the day, your journey is your own. No two experiences are alike, and it’s vital to find a doctor who sees you as the individual you are, not just the experience you’re currently going through.

Your comfort is important, and your goals are valid.

It’s also important to remember that you’re allowed to seek second opinions and switch doctors if the one you’re with doesn’t feel like a good fit. In fact, many doctors recommend that you hear about all your options before making a decision. 

Also, remember that although this is your experience, you don’t have to go through it alone. Having a support system you can lean on and ask for help, people who know you and your goals/personality, can be just as important as finding the right doctor.