You might believe that doctors deliver better care
to other doctors, but I’m not sure that’s true. It might be worse.
As a hotel doctor, I’d rather not care for a guest
who happens to be a physician. For one thing, he’s likely to hint that I
shouldn’t charge him.
He’s also less likely to give up his authority.
Non-physicians often tell me their diagnosis and the proper treatment.
Sometimes they’re right, but they rarely object if I disagree. They assume I
know more than they do. When physician hotel guests tell me their opinion on
the initial phone call, I’m tempted to let them have their way and avoid a
housecall. Once in the room, I’d rather not be treated as a colleague.
When I go to new doctors, I never reveal my
profession (under “work” I write “self-employed”). They’re supposed to ask, but
it’s not a priority.
My current dermatologist doesn’t know I’m a doctor,
so I listen patiently to many explanations that aren’t necessary, but that’s
fine with me. I want her to treat me like everyone else. After five years, my
family doctor casually asked what I did for a living, and I could detect his
surprise when I answered. But I’m satisfied with the medical care he delivers.
On the rare occasion he makes a suggestion that I disagree with, I behave like
any other patient. I keep my mouth shut and ignore it.