"Compassion and Empathy- The Two Pillars of Being "The Good Doc"

When Doctors Become Demons: A Personal Battle with the Medical System

In today's money-driven world, having a humanitarian approach is essential for doctors. Compassion and empathy should be the cornerstones of medical practice. Yet, what happens when these fundamental qualities are missing? When arrogance and ignorance take over, the consequences can be devastating.

A Humanitarian Approach is Vital

Doctors are more than just professionals; they are caregivers, healers, and often the last hope for suffering patients. A humanitarian approach is crucial because it:

- Ensures holistic care, addressing both physical and emotional needs.

- Builds trust, fostering better patient-doctor relationships.

- Enhances patient compliance and outcomes.

However, the reality is that many doctors are so consumed by their egos and outdated practices that they forget their primary role: to care.

The Fallout from Bad Doctors

It's no wonder people lose faith in genuinely good doctors when a few bad apples spoil the bunch. A bad doctor can do more than just misdiagnose or mistreat; they can shatter a patient's spirit and lead them to give up hope entirely. The emotional damage inflicted by such practitioners can be as severe as the physical ailments they fail to treat.

My Experience- A Tale of Arrogance and Incompetence

As an autoimmune patient battling three disorders over 15 years, including multiple sclerosis, I've encountered my fair share of quacks. But my recent experience with Dr. Anand Diwan at Narayani Hospital in Nashik was the last straw.

The Setup

Living in Mumbai, I connected with Dr. Anand Diwan over the phone. After sharing my detailed medical history, we decided to visit him, hoping for a fresh perspective and possibly a new test - a PET scani with MRI, a known test internationally for MS.

The Reality

1. No Bed, No Plan

Despite waiting weeks for an arranged hospitalization, no bed was available when I arrived. I was told to wait until 8:30 PM for a bed, having arrived at 12 PM as instructed.

2. Inaccessible Facilities

The washrooms were not wheelchair-friendly, a glaring oversight for a paralyzed patient.

3. Arrogant Interrogation

The doctor asked basic, evident questions typical of an autoimmune condition, refusing to listen or give a patient hearing.

4. Dismissive Attitude:

He outright rejected the PET scan, clinging to his outdated MRI preferences.

5. Lack of Empathy

His arrogance was palpable, his tone dripping with disdain.

6. Obsolete Knowledge

Despite being a test done internationally, he dismissed it without a glance.

7. Inconvenient Logistics:

The hospital lacked MRI and PET scan facilities, requiring shuttling between hospitals.

8. Dictatorial Stance

When I requested a PET scan, he retorted, "Under my care, you cannot dictate terms. The diagnosis will be mine, and you will follow what I prescribe."

It felt like asking for a CT scan to diagnose lung issues and being told, "No, we'll stick to the X-ray, despite it showing less information."

The Emotional Toll

Living with multiple sclerosis, a neurological disorder, means that my emotions are a turbulent sea. This recent experience has only added to my mental health struggles. The stress, anxiety, and helplessness have exacerbated my condition, making it harder to cope with the already challenging symptoms of MS. The psychological strain is immense, knowing that my well-being lies in the hands of a doctor who lacks empathy and understanding. It feels like battling on two fronts – the illness and the indifference of those meant to help.

The Impact: Emotional Torture

Compassion and empathy are essential in medicine. Misdiagnosis, ignorance, and arrogance not only compromise physical health but inflict emotional wounds that are often invisible but deep. Such doctors are a liability, not just to patients but to the entire medical fraternity. Their actions can be considered emotional torture, warranting scrutiny, confrontation, and possibly even the revocation of their licenses.

The Way Forward: Embrace Change and Compassion

Doctors must evolve with new findings and approaches. Arrogance and a rigid adherence to obsolete methods are detrimental. It’s imperative for doctors to:

- Listen and believe in their patients.

- Stay updated with the latest medical advancements.

- Approach each case with compassion and empathy.

Patients, too, must advocate for themselves, questioning and challenging doctors when necessary. After all, no one knows your body better than you do.

To sum it up all

To bring about change, we must expose and confront incompetent doctors, ensuring that they do not continue to harm others. The medical system should prioritize compassion and empathy, reinstating faith in doctors and the healing process. As patients, we deserve nothing less than doctors who are committed to our well-being, both physically and emotionally.

Headline Suggestions

- "When Doctors Play God: The Arrogance and Ignorance of Modern Medicine"

- "Broken by Arrogance: A Patient’s Fight Against the System"

- "The Emotional Torture of Bad Doctors: My Story"

Let’s ensure that the pillars of compassion and empathy are upheld in every medical practice, for the sake of all patients seeking hope and healing.