What Your Doctor Really Thinks: Diagnosing the Doctor-Patient Relationship

By Ian Blumer

Book Overview

Q. You've been sent for a stress test. Does this mean your doctor thinks there's something wrong with your heart?

A. Not necessarily. Doctors often schedule stress tests when they are certain a patient's heart is healthy. So why the test?

In What Your Doctor Really Thinks, Ian Blumer looks at the doctor-patient relationship, and explains what your doctor will and won't tell you in the examining room. Blumer lets you know what is going on in your physician's head, and suggests what should be going on in your head, when you present him or her with symptoms. Fatigue, chest pain, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath ... Blumer covers a variety of symptoms and discusses what direction the examination may take.

This book is a look into the psyche of the doctor and the patient during their meetings. It is a discussion of what both parties might be thinking, but not saying, and it reveals the so-called "mind games" that often take place. It tells people why, without their having even realized it, they have just left a doctor's office not knowing if the "growth" they have is worrisome or harmless, if they have a dim future or a good one. It tells people why doctors are often evasive, or, at times, downright rude.

What Your Doctor Really Thinks is not an aid to self-diagnosis. It is not a compilation of medical anecdotes glorifying the practice of medicine. And it is not a self-help guide to teach you about the disease that afflicts you. It is, rather, an aid to understanding your doctor, and to understanding yourself. Everyone from the health-conscious to the hypochondriac will find familiar symptoms in Blumer's book. You may find comfort in knowing that your symptoms are nothing to worry about; or you may find reason to see your doctor about something that may be more serious than you had thought. Regardless, you will learn not just what a doctor's diagnosis might be; you will also learn why they have made that diagnosis, and what the diagnosis means.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0888822154
• ISBN13: 9780888822154
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Dundurn Press
• Length: 175 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A sceptic is now a convert

I am a lay person always on the lookout for greater understanding of health issues and in particular how it is that physicians go about figuring out what is wrong with us. I guess it's almost like a hobby for me. Anyhow, when I saw the reviews for Dr. Blumer's book, I must admit I was sceptical. I mean...five stars each time...come on now. But my scepticism is now gone. The accolades are deserved. This is a great book. It is not only informative, but is very funny. Who would have a thought a doctor could be this amusing and informative all at once? Anyhow, I would heartily endorse What Your Doctor Really Thinks. ...

My mother recommended it!

It is not often that my mother and I have common interests in literature, but on this occasion we surely do. She is seventy and I'm forty, yet we both found this book not only informative, but highly entertaining. We both would highly recommend it.

Now the secrets out...and I'm sure glad

I came across this book at my local library and what an eye opener! I had no idea that there were so many "behind the scenes" things going on in my doctor's office. Like that he was secretly looking things up in his text books when I was in the examining room. Or that I may have been referred to him, not because he was the best doctor, but rather because he was friends with my family physician. Geesh! I loved finding out these hidden secrets. I bet there isn't a person around that wouldn't find this book both entertaining and informative.

Now I really know what my doctor means

What an amazing book. I've been looking for ages to find a medical book that told me things I needed to know when I saw my doctor, but in clear, simple and precise language. And this sure fit the bill. Informative, but not overwhelming. And fun too! Multiple choice quesitons, no less. I'd highly recomend this book to anyone with health problems; indeed to anyone who sees a doctor for any reason. I think any time you see the doctor in the future you will feel more knowledgeable and be a more informed consumer. And had fun in the process.