Friday Q&A: On Choosing a Doctor; Ozempic downsides; Long COVID; & Caregiver Burnout
You ask the best questions!
It’s Friday Q&A time! Click here to submit your questions for future posts!
The first question (about choosing the right doctor) is free for everyone. The remaining questions (about Ozempic; long COVID; and caregiver burnout) are for paid subscribers.
Let’s dive in.
QUESTION #1
How do you know if your doctor is good? My doctor’s online reviews say positive things, and she seems like a nice person, but how do I know if she has good judgment? - Alison P.
Dear Alison,
Fabulous question. Given the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship, I suggest you consider the following questions:
Does your doctor engage in active listening? Clear communication lays the groundwork for trust. Next time you visit your doctor, check to make sure you’re being heard and understood!
Does she refer to medical evidence when making recommendations? I trust physicians (or anyone, for that matter) whose recommendations are rooted in data, not anecdotal evidence. A favorite expression from medical school: “In God we trust; everyone else must bring data.”
Does she refer to other clinicians (i.e., physical therapists, nutritionists, medical specialists) when there’s something she doesn’t know? Caring for patients is a team sport. Make sure your doctor is humble enough to know what she knows and what she doesn’t know. Trust me - no doctor knows everything!
I hope that helps.
QUESTION #2
Thank you for writing about Ozempic last week. It seems like a miracle drug. I eat pretty well and exercise, but I can’t seem to lose weight for more than a few months. What are the downsides of Ozempic? Do people tend to gain weight after they stop it?
- LK
