The Wanted Unwanted Doctor

MJ is diagnosed with bladder cancer but does not wish to have surgery. After MJ chose non-conventional treatment and refused surgery twice, her doctor tells her that she cannot be her doctor any longer.

A repeat biopsy confirmed the high-grade invasive tumor. Dr C called her with the biopsy results. She said, “MJ, you have a killer cancer that doesn’t appear to be going away.” MJ responded,” I have simply never felt better! What about trying the non-conventional treatments for another three months?”

Dr C had had it. She believed that MJ was making a big mistake. “This is not a personal thing. I just want you to get this taken care of, anywhere, but soon. You are running a huge risk. It really looks like I cannot be your doctor anymore!” MJ replied softly, “Then who will be my doctor?”

• What makes this a difficult patient-physician relationship?
• Did Dr C do all she could to persuade MJ to agree with her recommendation?
• Did Dr C make an adequate effort to understand the patient’s point of view? If not, what else could she have done?
• Was Dr C being manipulative when she announced that she could no longer be MJ’s doctor?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)