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- Mar 17, 2004
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So my mother who has a history of cancer recently went to a nearby clinic to ask for another opinion on her prognosis. She was definitely worried about the possibility of having any cancer resurface in the same or different organ. Driving down the street she decided to go to a neighborhood clinic purely because it was close to home. Arriving at the clinic, which was overly crowded, she was surprised to see that it was completely staffed by D.Os and not by MDs. After showing the doctor her labs, history, and reports the DO suspected the worst and soon cast much doubt on her future. She explained that previous MDs had stated otherwise but he reiterated his claim and stated that he was very short on time and quickly scooted her out to quickly take in the next patient.
My mom came home very depressed and I was worried for her health. Within a week, I urged her to see a medical doctor and to get a full blood test and 2nd opinion from a MD specialist. She was still very worried but was determined not to let one professionals opinion destroy any hope for a future. She talked to a medical oncologist who directed her to have a colonoscopy as well as other lab tests to examine the chance of metastasis or recurrence of any cancer. Within weeks, all our questions were answered in a formal letter and printed, labeled labs sent from the MD specialist who wrote strongly of how my mother, at her current state, was cancer free. He added his own advice that if she wished to remain this way she should continually receive checkups and tests to forecast any changes that her body might make.
TO make a long story short, in my pursuit of a career in healthcare, in my experience the breadth of knowledge, expertise, and sincerity that the MD gave to my mother firmly calmed her fears about her life and future. I wish I could say the same about the DO. I am truly disappointed in the DOs lackluster, questionable opinion. Whether it be a lack of training, time allowed for each patient, or simply not enough education upon the subject, the experience truly left a bad impression upon my goals. As a result of this experience, I'm in full support of the notion that the MD just may in fact have much more to offer than the typical DO.
My mom came home very depressed and I was worried for her health. Within a week, I urged her to see a medical doctor and to get a full blood test and 2nd opinion from a MD specialist. She was still very worried but was determined not to let one professionals opinion destroy any hope for a future. She talked to a medical oncologist who directed her to have a colonoscopy as well as other lab tests to examine the chance of metastasis or recurrence of any cancer. Within weeks, all our questions were answered in a formal letter and printed, labeled labs sent from the MD specialist who wrote strongly of how my mother, at her current state, was cancer free. He added his own advice that if she wished to remain this way she should continually receive checkups and tests to forecast any changes that her body might make.
TO make a long story short, in my pursuit of a career in healthcare, in my experience the breadth of knowledge, expertise, and sincerity that the MD gave to my mother firmly calmed her fears about her life and future. I wish I could say the same about the DO. I am truly disappointed in the DOs lackluster, questionable opinion. Whether it be a lack of training, time allowed for each patient, or simply not enough education upon the subject, the experience truly left a bad impression upon my goals. As a result of this experience, I'm in full support of the notion that the MD just may in fact have much more to offer than the typical DO.
