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Written by a patient
10th January 2020


This doctor did not make me feel listened to as a patient, but came across impatient and patronising. She recommended a gel to me for my breast pain, and when I asked what I could do if this didn't work, she kept referring to clinical studies proving its efficiency. As I had to repeat my question, she eventually asked me if I had knowledge of how randomised drug trials work in a way I felt was confrontational. The second medication she recommended as an option, I am not comfortable to use as it potentially has severe side effects. Hence, I asked her again what my options were. She explained this to me, and why the cause of the pain wouldn't be investigated, and told me she had other patients to get to as I repeated my question due to still not having an answer to my question. I tried to understand from her what this practically meant for me, a patient in daily pain, and I felt her demeanor was arrogant and quite rude. If these symptoms persist for me and I knew I'd have to see her again, I would do my utmost to go elsewhere as I found the experience very unpleasant and uncomfortable. The rest of the clinic staff I interacted with was warm, friendly and very professional.

18th January 2020
Response from Professor Zoe Winters

I am sorry to hear about your personal views, however shared decision-making between the patient and doctor requires the patient to be open to listening and being receptive. Breast pain is no longer defined as a disease of the breast and unfortunately there are no magic bullets regarding how best to manage breast pain. Clinical trials and national guidelines help doctors to provide best advice. The advice I was trying to share is based on international patient studies. I wish you all the best and I hope that you do refer to our discussion as this would be in your best interest.

Recommend
Trust
Listening