What Does A Good Doctor/Patient Relationship Look Like?
How do you define a “good” doctor/patient relationship? Is it based solely on treatment plans and outcomes? Are there other factors to consider? What are they?
I would be lying if I said the outcome and my treatment plan did not influence who I chose for my Movement Disorder Specialist. I was fortunate to have a choice. Various research facilities were willing to accept me as a patient. I was a 45-year-old woman and otherwise healthy - not your typical Parkinson's patient. And, as that patient, I wanted a physician who would allow me to play an active role in my care plan. Another factor to consider was me, Lori DePorter.
I was an engineer, a mom, and a wife who had a future. My Parkinson's diagnosis didn’t suddenly change all of that. To my kids, I was still mom, but now I had Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. While I wanted to be seen as a new patient, I also wanted to be seen as the person I had become over the last 45 years who was now in the fight of her life.
How do you build that relationship of mutual trust? Be honest. Tell your doctor everything - the good, bad and everything in between – give them the information they need for your treatment plan.
Try a little bit of humor and level the playing field. For example, when your doctor opens the door and asks, “How are you doing today?” Reply by saying, “I am good, but I can’t say the same thing for the sandwich from the cafe downstairs. Should I just get coffee next time?” By simply joking about the cafe…it’s easier to talk freely.
I am grateful and I realize that everyone may not be as fortunate to have the type of relationship that I have with my MDS. However, everyone can and should be comfortable with their doctor. To those who ask how I got lucky, I would say, take your time to find the right physician. And, if you have the option, don't be afraid to visit with more than one doctor. If you are fortunate, they will be working with you for many years, so be patient and honest as you look for them – it’s worth the time and investment. Allow yourself to be open to the options, including seeing advanced practitioner providers (APPs) - they are trained, capable and will likely have more time for you.
My key takeaways...
Take your time.
Educate yourself and make informed decisions - use resources with reliable information including, Parkinson’s Foundation , Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance, The Davis Phinney Foundation and the MJFF.
But above all, be an advocate for yourself.
And one last question…How would your doctor describe you?
As for me, I am confident that my MDS will say, “Lori is a 56-year-old female patient with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. But she is also a writer, a support group leader who advocates for herself and others, and a personal trainer with a mean jab-cross. She and her husband, Mike, took dance lessons when I suggested it as part of her treatment plan and they have continued to dance for fun. But above all, she’s a fighter. “
And, I agree!
Lori DePorter has Young Onset Parkinson's Disease and lives in Pennsylvania, USA with her family. She has attended past WPC Congresses and is currently a WPC 2026 Ambassador. She is also a writer, fighter, and leading advocate.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the World Parkinson Coalition®