When Doctors Self-Assess: Insights from the Medical Profession

The intriguing question, 'Do doctors go to other doctors or do they do self-assessments?', brings to light a fascinating aspect of the medical profession. Traditionally, there exists a saying, 'Any doctor who has him or her self as a Patient is a fool!' This perspective, while valid in certain situations, is often a misperception of the reality faced by medical professionals.

Medical Symptom Self-Assessment

It is a common belief that doctors, like other professionals, have a tendency to self-assess. However, this approach can lead to underdiagnosis or overdiagnosis. Many medical professionals I know have attempted to treat themselves when they experienced serious medical symptoms. All of them wound up in the hospital. This anecdotal evidence underscores the importance of seeking professional help, even among healthcare providers.

Dependence on Professional Help

The statement, "Doctors make the worst patients!" is often appreciated for its humorous undertone. There is truth in it, too. Some doctors, when they need help, are not the easiest to manage from the perspective of nurses and healthcare workers. They might pull out IVs, demand to read their X-rays, and exhibit challenging behavior.

Patient vs. Physician in Sickness

The decision to seek professional help versus self-treating is heavily influenced by the condition's complexity. For simple conditions like a cold or bronchitis, most doctors will self-treat. However, when the condition becomes more complex, they will engage their colleagues and specialists. Their approach mirrors that of any ordinary person who, when ill, first rests, hydrates, and maintains hygiene.

Self-Consultation: The Pros and Cons

Sometimes, self-consultation can provide insights from a professional perspective. However, it is crucial to note that the results can be less than ideal. Self-diagnosis often leads to either an underestimation or overestimation of the condition. It is generally better to consult other medical professionals, as they can offer a more accurate and objective assessment.

The Reality of Self-Assessment by Doctors

The concept of a physician self-diagnosing brings to light the human aspect of medical practice. Doctors, like anyone else, first employ the same common sense and self-care measures when they get sick. If they require additional help, they turn to friends or professional caregivers. They do not typically seek self-medication directly from the pharmacy counter and bypass the medical process.

For straightforward and uncontroversial issues, doctors often reach out to trusted colleagues they know well. For more complex or specialized issues, they seek the expertise of leading specialists. This behavior is no different from what the lay public would do when faced with illness. Physicians possess a unique advantage, understanding the healthcare system and recognizing when to adhere to professional advice.

Conclusion

The medical profession's approach to self-assessment highlights the dual nature of being a doctor. While physicians are capable of self-treating their minor ailments, the complexity of certain conditions necessitates seeking professional help. This approach ensures that they receive the best care possible and maintain a high standard of medical practice.

In the end, it is not about the privilege of self-diagnosis but the wisdom in knowing when to seek assistance. Every individual, including physicians, should prioritize seeking professional help for serious health concerns.