Doctor knowledgeable about new research?
Meet the Experts
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.
Question from What's For Dinner: My oncologist is a great guy, and I like him a lot. But I was recently diagnosed with a recurrence, and I'm wondering if I should go to a different doctor this time. My doctor is about 60 years old, and I'm not sure he's really up on the latest research.
- Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: Changing doctors at this point may be an unnecessary stress. An older physician will have many years of experience and wisdom that will be very valuable to you as you move forward. Rest assured that most of us keep up on the literature through modern technologies, as well as journals. If, however, you find that your comfort level does not return to where it was before, a second opinion might be helpful. And it does not necessarily mean you need to permanently change your physician. Websites such as ours can help you keep up with the research yourself.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Print out a Research News or content page that you think might be helpful in your situation, and bring it into this doctor to facilitate a discussion.
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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