What do you do if physicians dismiss your concerns due to a lack of assertiveness and confidence?

You can be confident and assertive all you want but also wrong. You would not believe how often patients bring a pile of facts and explain why they think their problem is x y or z. There is no way I’m going to go down a path of a tens of thousands of dollar work up if i disagree. Be confident but also be receptive to the possibility that you might not see it the way the physician does. Sometimes we have to protect you from you. With google it’s more common than you think.

I must agree with your statement and assessment! The social networks are great for general information. However, most of them include in the last portion of reading the article is that you should consult your physician! This is the informative article ending that is overlooked when self diagnosing. Too many self proclaimed Doctor Googles on the world.

This is a false dichotomy: “Dismissing concerns” is not the same thing as utilizing education and experience to guide diagnostics and treatment. I’m always happy when patients bring in what they’ve found that seems to make sense - this shows me that they are engaged in their own healthcare and that they trust me enough to bring their concerns to my attention. In my most recent clinical position, my patients were marginalized members of under-resourced communities who were thoroughly disenfranchised because healthcare providers continually dismissed their concerns - and both historical and contemporary evidence exists of the harm resulting from clinicians dismissing the concerns of their (often black/brown/female/disabled) patients.

First, let us understand physicians are human beings. Do your due diligence before approaching the physician or scheduling time to discuss a specific patient or topic. If you did a tracer on a patient encounter that would be even better. AMP is a great tool or maybe an audit trail on your situation tied to your topic(s) and related to that physician. Review and evaluate the processes, policy, data, and/or H&P so you can reply in confidence and assertively when you are challenged about something based on facts from the EHR or patient survey data. You will be challenged. ;) Your competence will show confidence, making your assertiveness sound assured. Coach Kaizen Kenny

Keep detailed notes on patient history, findings, and progress. Data strengthens your position. Secondly, discuss cases with experienced colleagues. Gaining different perspectives can boost confidence.

Put it in writing. Remove the tone and don't take it personal. Provide the observations, facts and what is required for follow up. If not successful, re-approach in writing.

My take on "Clear Language " I spend almost half of my time in hospitals and patients and what I usually see is that sometimes patients come with a complaint but they name the complaint on their own. For example if someone has a burning pain in their stomach some patients tell us that they are suffering from gastric ulcer although they are not suffering from that. It's their imaginary belief. So a physician and also as a patient both should use simple language as much as possible. If a physician is consulting in a country where regional language or local language is spoken more, make sure you know some of it.

To enhance clarity, organize your thoughts logically and use concise language that conveys your message without ambiguity. Structuring your communication effectively, with a focus on evidence-based statements and concrete examples. This can help enhance your credibility and ensure that your insights are taken seriously. This approach does not only promote understanding but also enhances your professional reputation. Avoid being too academic or using clinical/medical jargon unless that specific physician likes to hear how educated they are. If you know, you know. ;)

Clear and concise language simply means everyone involved has the same understanding of the situation. The average reading level in the US is at the 7th grade level. Most physicians are waaaaayyyy above that and frequently use complex words in their vocabulary. They can condense a complex subject into just a few words that are easy for them to understand but not anyone else. The constant demand on their time to meet billing, legal, and regulatory documentation requirements also means they don't have a lot of time to digest long, drawn-out explanations. Keep it short and simple and be sure to verify every one understands what exactly it is that is being discussed.

Briefly state your findings and reasoning for why you're concerned. Focus on the patient's condition and the best course of action, using objective terms. Ask for clarification on their perspective to understand their reasoning. This approach ensures you're advocating for your patient while maintaining a professional and collaborative tone.

Express your ideas confidently and clearly! Stand firm on your insights while being open to dialogue. Start by preparing your points thoroughly, ensuring you understand all aspects of the issues at hand. During discussions, maintain eye contact, use a firm yet respectful tone, and clearly state your case with evidence to back your claims Assertiveness training can also be beneficial helping you learn how to assert yourself effectively in professional settings without being confrontational. This approach not only bolsters your confidence but also commands respect and attention, making it more likely that your contributions are valued and considered. See the big picture or paint it for the physician. Drill down and deliberate with direction.

As a hormone practice consultant, doctors hire me for my assertiveness and confidence but that hasn't always been the case. I have been in a position where a physician dismissed me because I came off as not being prepared even though I was fully prepared. I learned quickly that how I presented myself was a key factor in our communication exchange.

Just because you have a title, doesn't mean you are a leader. A title is earned, a leader is learned. Being assertive is just you fluffing your feathers and no doctor appreciates that (not even amongst physicians). The way to earn trust and recognition as a leader is to listen to your physicians to truly understand their needs, wants, and desires and then help them reach them. Talk the talk, but more importantly, walk the walk. Do that and you rarely have to be assertive in your approach to physicians.

Briefly yet clearly summarize your findings and the patient's condition. Clearly state your recommended course of action using professional language. If needed, ask open-ended questions to clarify the physician's perspective. By following these steps, you can confidently advocate for your patients' best interests while maintaining a collaborative approach.

Consulting Other Professionals too. In the field of medicine many times doctors are completely working on opinion as per their experience. In some serious cases seeking other professional is the most important role of a patient. But the same goes with a physician, if a physician is in a doubt, seeking another professional help is the best option you can do.

This one is straightforward. Build your alliances. Talk to other physicians or clinicians who already work with a physician you need to speak with and gain the insights you need before approaching the conversation or situation. Basic fundamental stakeholder analysis. Depending on your conversation or situation, start by identifying a physician who may have similar interests or mutual goals and see if you can get a physician champion to lead the effort. Sometimes you can find a committee or a physician that needs to add to their goals for the year. Just be sure to present any concerns to the allies with enough information or room for conversation to drive your message with their peers to be received well enough to get you more advocates.

There are so many different approaches to medicine, that no one way is always truly right (just consider Eastern vs Western medicine, both have similar outcomes but are very different). Sure, there are certain "standards" but those also shift with new research and insights gained over time. This is not a competition. Yes, there are times when true malpractice is at hand but most of the time, it is simply a misunderstanding on your part of how physicians think and act.

Collaborate with PT colleagues: Discuss cases and share insights. This strengthens your knowledge and provides backup. Build rapport with physicians: Find common ground and emphasize mutual respect. This fosters communication and understanding. Consider referrals: If needed, suggest consulting a specialist together. This shows open-mindedness and can lead to better outcomes. By working together, you can ensure the best care for your patients.

A physician will become dismissive of you because you have shown no interest in their needs, wants, and desires. This right there is the reason burn out is happening at unprecedented rates in the profession: physicians' expertise are no longer taken into consideration for how healthcare should be provided. Take the time to listen to and truly understand the physician and you will gain the trust and recognition you need to be a great leader.

Always remember "Follow ups Gains Patients" My mentor told me this line follow ups gains the patient If the patient is cured there are less chances that he or she will come for the followup But if they come ask them certain questions which help our clinical practice. Examples 1.] Are you feeling better 2.] Do you think the medicine worked well for you 3.] Is there anything else you want to add 4.] Tell me in percentage or in inclining/declining graph for your health update Such interactions are the best. If the case is not cured take other steps to cure the patient It could be like taking a professional specialist help Or it could be any lab investigation.

Doctors are people first. There are great doctors and terrible doctors, just like people. They are not all-knowing. They are not perfect. Some of them are evil. Some of them are driven by greed. They also have to protect themselves so they are constantly playing the offense by telling us we are wrong and they are right. Do your research. Remember doctors are in business to make money.