Should We Always Listen to Medical Professionals?

The YouTube Doctor 

There are a lot of “medical professionals” on YouTube. Some of these medical professionals are labor and delivery nurses, some are OBGYNs, some are general practitioners, etc. When you hire a personal injury attorney, you’re hiring an attorney that has expertise in a specific area of the law—such as car crashes. Your personal injury attorney may (or may not) have expertise in criminal defense or real estate law. Doctors are the same way. A psychiatrist is not going to have the same expertise that an OBGYN would have. Furthermore, many people on YouTube may actually be medical professionals, but that doesn’t mean that they’re qualified to give medical advice. For example, in some states, a sixteen-year-old can become a CNA—would you take medical advice on cutting-edge neurosurgery from a high school student even though they’re a licensed medical professional? Likely not. If you see a claim made by a medical professional on YouTube, it is always a good idea to follow up with your doctor on that claim if it’s relevant to you. For example, if you see a medical professional on YouTube telling you that you should take this medication, do this treatment, follow this diet, etc., you should always follow up with your doctor who knows your history and who can help you make a decision based on your specific situation and medical history. 

The Celebrity Doctor – Importance of Seeking a Second Medical Opinion

Much like YouTube medical professionals, celebrity doctors are not qualified to give you specific medical advice because they haven’t reviewed your history nor discussed your symptoms with you. If you are interested in a treatment plan a celebrity doctor is discussing, you should discuss that treatment plan with your doctor. It should also be considered that many doctors are selling products and endorsing products for profit. This means that these doctors are advertising something and benefit from your purchase. It is always a good idea to discuss the supplements you’re taking with a doctor who knows your medical history and can help you understand the pros and cons of supplements, treatment plans, medications, etc.  

“My Doctor Says…” 

Want to see some controversy over what you can and can’t do while pregnant? Just visit any online pregnancy forum. Debates are constantly raging over whether or not you can eat deli meat, can you get in a hot tub, can you use a heating pad and, most recently, can you take Tylenol? Everyone’s chirping in about what their doctor has said. While these people may be honestly relaying information, it’s not always a good idea to trust someone else’s doctor who’s never even spoken with you. If you have a question about your medical treatment or medical history, you need to speak with your doctor directly. While other people likely have competent doctors, you need to be speaking with someone who understands your medical situation and can give you customized advice. 

The Problem with Doing Your Own Research 

While it is good to do your own research, it is important to discuss your findings with a medical professional. A lot of research literature is not written for a layperson to understand and interpret. A lot of misunderstandings come from people doing their own research but not fully understanding what they’ve just read, nor the implications of what they’ve just read. If you have concerns about a treatment, procedure, medication, or vaccine, you should discuss those concerns with your doctor and explain what you’ve read and why you’ve found it concerning. Your doctor can help you understand the pros and cons of your options and give you the information you need to act in your best interests. 

When You Don’t Trust Your Doctor 

Not all medical professionals are trustworthy. Medical malpractice is a real concern that’s caused an untold number of people to suffer severe consequences. You may, for whatever reason, decide that you feel uncomfortable working with a medical professional. However, that shouldn’t mean that you no longer go to licensed medical professionals for advice. If you do not trust what your doctor is saying, you may want to get a second opinion from another doctor who can review your medical history, listen to your experience, and then give you advice and help you weigh the pros and cons of your options. Feeling uncomfortable with your doctor should not mean that you cease going to the doctor or listening to medical professionals altogether.  

When You Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney

When you need an experienced medical malpractice attorney, Moxie Law Group is here for you. Contact us today to get started on your free consultation.