You need to ask some penetrating questions like ‘How many of these operations do you do a year? And, by the way, I’d like to know, do you have any kind of printout on your results; not only how many do you do, but what is your success rate ... . What are the likely complications, and ... if I have a complication how are we going to get through it?’
... These are all questions that patients usually don’t ask ... .
You’re sizing up the doctor ... . Is this someone who looks you in the eye? Is this someone that doesn’t seem to be harassed, and is willing to give you their undivided attention and answer your questions honestly and truthfully ... .
And remember that surgery is a team sport ... .
If you’re going to have a really good result, which of course you want, you’re going to have to be an active member of the team.
Thomas R. Russell
American College of Surgeons
Executive Director
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