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Staying with doctor because of nurses?

Page last modified on: September 10, 2008
Question from Sami: The only thing that keeps me going back to my current doctor is that I love and trust his nursing staff. They are so kind and considerate. Am I making a mistake staying with him?
Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: I love that question! It's SO important to consider your entire health care team, and not just your doctor. Everybody, from the person who greets you when you walk in the door, to the nurse, to the technician, to the person who draws your blood, is part of your team. Sometimes doctors who have poor interpersonal skills have the best nurses. The nurses know that they are helping the patients. They wouldn't work with that doctor if they didn't think he knew what he was doing medically, but they know that they're adding something to the care of that patient that is very important. Your nurses are indispensable to your care, and I don't think you are making a mistake by staying with this doctor.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: If you're having trouble communicating with your doctor, and you have a great relationship with the nurses, by all means ask your nurses how best to approach the doctor about what's on your mind.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called The Doctor-Patient Relationship. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to find the right doctor for you, and how to create and maintain a good, open relationship with your doctor so you can be sure to get all the care and information you need.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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