Jahnavi Sarma
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A patient must know exactly why they are visiting a doctor. They must be ready with their history and reports of other medical conditions if any. @Shutterstock
Whenever you have any health problem, the first thing you do is consult a doctor. They are the caregivers who help you live a healthy and fit life. As we get ready to observe National Doctors' Day on June 1, we must take a moment to salute those who untiringly work to improve our quality of life. This day is all about acknowledging the services of doctors and their contribution to society at large. This day celebrates the legendary physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (Dr. B C Roy), who was the second Chief Minister of West Bengal. Dr Roy was also the recipient of the Bharat Ratna on February 4, 1961. In a strange coincidence, Dr Roy's birth and death anniversary falls on the same day, i.e., July 1. He was born in 1882 and died in 1962. As we approach the National Doctors' Day, let's explore how, as patients, can help our clinicians serve us better.
As a patient, there is a lot that you can do to make it easy for your doctor to give you a correct diagnosis. The first step is to trust that your physician knows the right way to proceed and the correct treatment procedure for your condition. You need to respect your doctor's advice and follow it without question. While it is necessary to be well-informed as a patient and ask the right questions, being argumentative and apprehensive will not help you. With National Doctors' Day just around the corner, let us see how you can do so.
Today, in anticipation of National Doctors' Day, let us see how we can also help doctors by being more informed and a more receptive patient. Dr Rajesh Kumar, Founder & Director UDGAM A Mental Healthcare & Rehabilitation Centre Consultant Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist at MAX Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, shares his views on how you can make the most out of a visit to a doctor's clinic.
Today, the Internet makes it possible to get information on any and every subject at the press of a button. Many people Google for information on their ailments. This is not necessarily a bad thing. But unfortunately, some people may sometimes feel that they know it all. They argue unnecessarily with their doctors and waste precious time. Also, some patients may be totally clueless about their condition and not ready to accept a doctor's advice. Others may think they can get more information by frequently interrupting a doctor while he makes his diagnosis. These are some things that healthcare professionals have to deal with on a regular basis.
Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO Indira IVF, says, "Some people ignore the most important issues and go on a tangent during consultation." A patient must know exactly why they are visiting a doctor. "They must be ready with their history and reports of other medical conditions if any. This helps in making a proper assessment and in deciding the course of treatment," says Dr. Murdia.
The Internet offers a lot of information, no doubt. But some of these information may not be verified. You, as a patient, must read up on your condition. But don't assume that everything you read applies to you. Each patient is unique and comes with issues that cannot be generalised. Your doctor is the best person to give you personalised care. Acknowledging this will go a long way in helping your doctor give you the best treatment possible.