Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor not a God!

Doctors. We tend to treat them like gods. We don't always question their diagnoses. We don't challenge them or ask questions. It's like, they're doctors so they should know better. Right? Wrong.

Sure they have lots of higher education and tend to be smart but they're people, just like you and me. They put their pants on one leg at a time. Unless, they're women and wear skirts. Or men who wear skirts, in which case I don't want to know.

I know some people who take a doctor's word as gospel. These same people who would reign down holy terror if the cable guy showed up late, don't even make a peep if the doctor doesn't return a phone call within a decent time frame. They even make excuses. He said he would call me back this afternoon, he must've been busy. And then they continue to wait for the phone to ring. Perhaps when they are carrying their head under their arm they'll consider actually calling the doctor themselves and demanding to speak with him/her.

Recently Bill was talking to a female he works with. She mentioned that she had been feeling shaky all day. He asked her what was wrong. She told him she was just diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. He said her blood-sugar levels must be very low and got her some soda and a granola bar, which immediately made her feel better.

As they talked Bill asked her what her blood-sugar levels were when she was diagnosed. She said she didn't know, because her doctor didn't tell her.  What the funk?? Bill told her she should find out because it was her right to know. He gave her some tips and advice and other information (which she had not fully received) and lastly he gave her the name and number of our primary doctor. Because clearly her current one hasn't got clue #1 when it comes to patient care or diabetes.

So what is it about doctors that turns normally strong-willed, loud-of-voice, take-charge people into meek, little kids? It's mind-boggling.

You should never fear your doctor. You should always ask questions, seek second opinions and never take anything for granted. It's your health! I'm not saying be a disrespectful assmunch to them. Just don't sit back and put your health on cruise-control. Doctors aren't perfect. Even Bones was wise enough to know his limitations.

Bones: "I'm just a country doctor."

To lighten up an otherwise serious post (not to mention, show off my geekness) here's a brief video montage of  Dr.  McCoy speaking his famous line: "I'm a doctor, not a..."