Would you trust a young doctor ?
Some people think that young doctors are more willing to reach out, do research with newer meds and help versus « old » doctors who stick to what they been prescribing for the last 30 years and have less motivation.
What’s your opinion ?
My rheumatologist is young. I trust him, he's personable, and he knows all the latest research. I'm very happy with his care.
I think more then age is the doctor, some doctors don't listen and are dismissive, I'll take one that actually hears what I'm saying every time, no matter the age.
Yes I agree with cheshcat that it's about being listened to although in my experience there may be something in younger doctors being more interested in new ideas. In my Gp practice we have 4 doctors who are all have their strengths but the 2 younger ones, who have much less RA patient experience are the more open to learn.
I found the consultant I saw last was very dismissive. I was in and out in 5 minutes.
They didn't assess me properly just just hovered their hand over my joints and didn't listen to me. My elbow was quite painful had had an injection into the elbow joint about 5 weeks before appointment and hadn't work.
I know the NHS is under a lot of financial strain.
A friend of mine has had RA for 16 years and at the moment she is quite unwell asked to bring forward her appointment and was told the unit is too busy.
When my appointment is a week away I receive text messages to remind me of the appointment. It also says how much it will cost if I DNA the appointment. I know from my own experience that there are many appointments are DNA.
I feel we should have a charge for appointments like dentists and opticians if you DNA appointments.
I have come across more experienced doctors who keep up-to-date and are still interested in people, others who have become worn out and unable to cope with the constant demands. And sometimes they vary from day to day depending what else is going on in their own lives and work. And sometimes I feel that if I have been the next person seen after someone very demanding that I get short shrift - they need a break! But sometimes a new doctor can look from a different perspective and come up with some different ideas.
I'm very lucky. I have seen the same Consultant since 2005 and he's so understanding. I have been on the usual mix of DMARDS. I think he's open minded and does actually listen to me. I never thought of him being young but I suppose he was then. (His hair is certainly going grey now). Even though we moved house, I still attend the same hospital for him & the team of nurses. I just hope he doesn't leave. A couple of years ago, he was the only Rheumatologist left but I think there's another one or two now. He was obviously overworked but never cancelled an appointment to see me. x
I think it just depends on the individual...my rheumy is 50'ish & jumps on any new research as eagerly as the med students he tutors.
I'm lucky enough to have two in tandem, one must be in his 60s and can tell exactly what's wrong just by looking at you. The other is a brand new registrar and he's great. Very modern in his outlook and not yet bogged down by the NHS!
In the states I had same doctor for 25 years he was the best! Treated me, all of me mind, body and spirit meaning he listened to me sent me to therapy when I struggled and treated the disease. I trusted him and as years went on we had a very good patient doctor relationship. He retired two years ago and they brought in new doctor who was 66 years
old because he had good medicine
- I have had more health issues in the last two years than the past 20 years. It's so hard to change doctors when you have had a great one. I am ready for a new young one
Personally it's the newly qualified that listen more and and are more eager to help.they seem thirsty for gaining more experience. Wish mine would retire so someone more interested in me comes along.they get too many cases to look at and not enough time for you.Next
I prefer the old school, they know what's tried and tested. I'm not interested in stopping some of my meds to make myself worse, to try something new that may not i) work or ii) be tolerated by me.
It’s certainly a difficult question. When I was originally diagnosed I was blessed with 3 “30yo something” registrars who didn’t take a blind bit of notice of what was important to me. I’m not prejudiced against younger professionals, for all the reasons others have said - up with research, eager to learn etc. But, at the end of the day, they have to listen to their patient and work with their concerns - which is where mine failed. I now see an older Rheumy - note, I live in Australia.
Having said that, I would heartily recommend experienced (and older) allied professionals, like podiatrist, physio and hand therapist. Really believe that those occupations need a lot of experience to understand the RA body in all it’s glory - so to speak 
cheers Deb
I think that like everything, it depends on the person. My first rheumatologist was young, newly out of school, arrogant and convinced that she had the only correct answers. I did not have a rheumatologist for three years - just had my GP treating me. The new rheumatologist I went to is in her 60s and she is wonderful. Educated, tolerant, encouraging, etc. Very good...
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