Re: Bad doctor in Dallas, Texas

writing is never a bad idea. I had some unhappy surgery from a doctor - there were complications. i did in fact write him a (very nasty) note. I was very upfront about what I thought about him, his quality of care, and his (nonexistent) bedside manner. He was actually the head of a famous group of doctors - I even saw him on a TV special one time, as being the expert they quoted. None of that matters, he sucked. The only drawback is that the doctor will get to respond to your note, if you write one. Mine did, and I didn't like what he had to say (it proved what an idiot he was). If I had that to do over again, I'd still write the note - but I'd throw out his response, without reading it. I mean, the point truly isn't what the doctor thinks about his own crummy performance, its really about making other people aware of his crummy performance. And if the doctor does take your note to heart and change his behavior, so much the better.

If you do write a note, I'd include the hospital in the correspondance - somewhere in the maze of hospital bureaucracy there is someone in charge of patient care, in some way. The doctor also has a boss at the hospital, someone he reports to. So.... the note might actually do some good there. If you call in advance you'll be able to find out who the people that should get your note are, and talking to them in person might even be cathartic too. Also, I think I would send the note to the doctor that referred you - they should know never to refer anyone there again.

I am sorry for your crummy experience. I have had a very crummy surgery experience myself and can definitely relate.

Best,
Lisa Tweet