I'm in the process of changing doctors right now and had my first appointment with the my new dr yesterday. I was asking several questions about kalydeco and genetics and basically got the response that "I'm not a molecular biologist, I concern myself with clinical data that is needed to treat patients and leave the drug development to those who are" Hes an older doctor, probably pushing retirement age but is fairly new to treating cf. I left the appointment with the feeling that because it wasn't taught to him in med school some 30+ years ago he doesn't have a good understanding of it. He has the attitude of "i've been practicing medicine longer than you've been alive" and "this is the way we've always done it". My question is would you prefer a doctor that has the decades of experience in medicine that has seen everything or because cf care is advancing at the rate it is would you prefer your doctor be only a few years out of med school and be "up to date"My previous doctor was a happy middle ground between the two, he has been practicing for about 20 years but is constantly researching and I never found a question that he wasn't well versed in.I asked this new doctor what his take on kalydeco was and he responded with a brief "I've seen treatments for various conditions come and go, ones that seemed to be very helpful but later found to have side effects beyond the benefits, but someone has to be the first in line, so if you want, we will start working on persribing it for you"
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old doctor or young?
- Thread starter robert321
- Start date
I'm in the process of changing doctors right now and had my first appointment with the my new dr yesterday. I was asking several questions about kalydeco and genetics and basically got the response that "I'm not a molecular biologist, I concern myself with clinical data that is needed to treat patients and leave the drug development to those who are" Hes an older doctor, probably pushing retirement age but is fairly new to treating cf. I left the appointment with the feeling that because it wasn't taught to him in med school some 30+ years ago he doesn't have a good understanding of it. He has the attitude of "i've been practicing medicine longer than you've been alive" and "this is the way we've always done it". My question is would you prefer a doctor that has the decades of experience in medicine that has seen everything or because cf care is advancing at the rate it is would you prefer your doctor be only a few years out of med school and be "up to date"My previous doctor was a happy middle ground between the two, he has been practicing for about 20 years but is constantly researching and I never found a question that he wasn't well versed in.I asked this new doctor what his take on kalydeco was and he responded with a brief "I've seen treatments for various conditions come and go, ones that seemed to be very helpful but later found to have side effects beyond the benefits, but someone has to be the first in line, so if you want, we will start working on persribing it for you"
Actually, I think his answer is very appropriate. He isn't saying that he's not willing to treat you with new medications, rather that his specialty is not molecular biology and cannot comment on the efficacy (or potential efficacy) of the vertex drugs or what you might expect as far as side effects. I would trust a doc like that over one who blows smoke up your butt, or is sticking you on every fad treatment known to man every chance he gets.
Actually, I think his answer is very appropriate. He isn't saying that he's not willing to treat you with new medications, rather that his specialty is not molecular biology and cannot comment on the efficacy (or potential efficacy) of the vertex drugs or what you might expect as far as side effects. I would trust a doc like that over one who blows smoke up your butt, or is sticking you on every fad treatment known to man every chance he gets.
Incomudrox
New member
If I can have a conversation with the doctor and they can say something intelligent then they are okay in my book. My Doc now is from Switzerland and extremely smart and upto date so he's a-okay in my book. I'd say he's fairly on the older side though.
Incomudrox
New member
If I can have a conversation with the doctor and they can say something intelligent then they are okay in my book. My Doc now is from Switzerland and extremely smart and upto date so he's a-okay in my book. I'd say he's fairly on the older side though.
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
My doctor is older, but I love him. He knows what he is talking about, he goes to the conferences and he is very involved in his patients care.
M
MCGrad2006
Guest
My doctor is older, but I love him. He knows what he is talking about, he goes to the conferences and he is very involved in his patients care.
M
Mommafirst
Guest
I wouldn't want a doctor who used the "this is the way its always been mentality" regardless of age. Cf can be very different for each patient, you need a doctor who keeps up on the research and is willing to accept that the patient before him (or her) might not fit a perfect mold.
My daughter's newest CF doctor is young, has committed herself to CF research and publishing, and is really good at communicating to both me and my daughter. I like these things about her. She's also willing to consult with some of the older docs with longer experience histories, which is a plus in my book too.
Considering how much time you work with your CF doc and how much you rely on them to help you stay your healthiest or get you back there when you aren't, IMO its best to have a doctor who you feel is the best "fit" -- which can be different for everyone.
My daughter's newest CF doctor is young, has committed herself to CF research and publishing, and is really good at communicating to both me and my daughter. I like these things about her. She's also willing to consult with some of the older docs with longer experience histories, which is a plus in my book too.
Considering how much time you work with your CF doc and how much you rely on them to help you stay your healthiest or get you back there when you aren't, IMO its best to have a doctor who you feel is the best "fit" -- which can be different for everyone.
M
Mommafirst
Guest
I wouldn't want a doctor who used the "this is the way its always been mentality" regardless of age. Cf can be very different for each patient, you need a doctor who keeps up on the research and is willing to accept that the patient before him (or her) might not fit a perfect mold.
My daughter's newest CF doctor is young, has committed herself to CF research and publishing, and is really good at communicating to both me and my daughter. I like these things about her. She's also willing to consult with some of the older docs with longer experience histories, which is a plus in my book too.
Considering how much time you work with your CF doc and how much you rely on them to help you stay your healthiest or get you back there when you aren't, IMO its best to have a doctor who you feel is the best "fit" -- which can be different for everyone.
My daughter's newest CF doctor is young, has committed herself to CF research and publishing, and is really good at communicating to both me and my daughter. I like these things about her. She's also willing to consult with some of the older docs with longer experience histories, which is a plus in my book too.
Considering how much time you work with your CF doc and how much you rely on them to help you stay your healthiest or get you back there when you aren't, IMO its best to have a doctor who you feel is the best "fit" -- which can be different for everyone.
saveferris2009
New member
You don't have to be molecular biologist to understand Kalydeco. Or CF genes. There are published studies on this drug for all to read and understand.
I would never go to that doc.
I would never go to that doc.
saveferris2009
New member
You don't have to be molecular biologist to understand Kalydeco. Or CF genes. There are published studies on this drug for all to read and understand.
I would never go to that doc.
I would never go to that doc.