Doc, Talk With Me Not at Me

It is not uncommon for minority patients to be very passive with physicians when it comes to conversations about their health. Often, patients feel very intimidated by physicians and do not share important information about their bodies, their circumstances, and family history.

Research conducted with women, African Americans, Hispanics, and poor people tell us patients believe that physicians can do a better job in communicating with them. Too many new patients say the reason for transferring to a new physician is poor communication and the physicians not having the patient’s best interest at heart. Data also suggests that patients are more forgiving of physicians when a mistake is made in their care if good communication has been established.

My personal experience validates what the research has documented. I encourage you to be forward in your communication with your physician and insist that the physician listen to you and consider things from your prospective. Make sure that you are not talked at but talked with.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell--- Closing the Gap in Health Disparities for African Americans.

Bell Update Volume 3, Chapter 1
Copyright January 2008