Would your doctor lose sleep if your acne never improved…..?   

   I ask people this question to remind them that it really does matter.  With simple common short lived medical problems like a cough, a cold, or an upset stomach….,  it may not matter if your doctor even speaks the same language as you do.  For emergency room medical care or surgical procedures,  your doctor’s diligence may be more important than their actual “feelings” for you.  (Although of course,  the most talented E.R. and O.R. doctors have real love and personal feelings for all of their patients)

     In the world of chronic conditions,  communication is as important as expertise.   Some would say communication skill is the real expertise in medical healing.  This is the reason holistic practioners often times have more success with chronic stress related conditions than Medical Doctors.  Based on the practice setup, they have more time to dig into the real conversation of what’s going on in a person’s overall life situation.

So the question remains…..,   would your doctor be heavily distressed if your acne did not clear up……?

Do you think it would drive him or her crazy knowing that you are doing everything you are supposed to do and still not getting better…..?

     The answer to this question is more important than you may realize.  Chronic relentless conditions like acne often times require massive energy from both patient and practitioner.  The strength of the patient/practitioner relationship is the glue that keeps the battle going until they reach the threshold of victory.  Although it can be a rigor, it’s very rewarding for both the patient and the practitioner when total success is achieved.

In regards to this healing phenomenon,  allow me to offer an important tip……

      When you meet your next doctor for acne or any other medical problem, do not come at them like you deserve some impersonal industrialized service for the money you’ve just spent.  Rather,  recognize that you are spending money to get into a productive patient/practitioner relationship.  Treat them with the respect that you hope to treated with.  Give them the benefit of the doubt that their 10-20 years of experience with real people is more powerful than the impersonal random information you have gathered from the internet.  Give them the benefit of the doubt that they will be able to help you.  Using this vibe as a jump off point to the relationship with actually exponentially increase your odds of getting better.  It’s a healing phenomenon I’ve witnessed for years.   Observe yourself and recognize if you are unable or unwilling to trust again. Do your best to try to express that real feeling to your doctor.  If you express your pessimism in a real and personal way, a good doctor will respect that vulnerability and put energy into gaining your trust.    

    If your doctor seems unable to give back energetically to the healing relationship,  he or she may not be good enough for someone who has failed many treatments.   

Hope this tip helps, 

-Dr. Neal

©2008  ”Does your doctor really care if you get better……?”   by Dr. Neal Schwartz