Doctor D recently got a fascinating question about Neurologists. Rather than make something up, Doctor D decided to use his other strategy for covering his ignorance: consult a specialist. Luckily he was able to beg the finest Neurologist in the blogsphere to answer your question. If you haven't yet discovered Dr. Grumpy and his wacky patients you are missing out!
Question: After many years of seeing neurologists I've come to the conclusion that all neurologists are either A) a tad crazy or B) an asshole. I only continue my Doctor-Patient relationships with the ones that are crazy as I prefer crazy folks to assholes. Why do you think they seem to fall in one of these two categories? I haven't noticed this polarizing break down in any other specialists I've seen."I freely admit that it seems more neurologists are 'different', though the degree can vary from slightly eclectic to downright scary.
I read years ago that, as a percentage, more neurologists are left-handed than any other branch of medicine. I assume this means something, but I have no idea what. I'd like to think I'm at least on the more benign side of the whole thing, but I have no idea what they say about me outside of here.I agree that the field seems oddly polarized at times, though not sure I've noticed the extremes you have. In my position, though I don't personally don't see how another doc treats his patients in the office. I wish I had an answer as to why it is so, but I don't.
I could also say the same about patients. The majority of them (who I'm not writing about) are decent people. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't like them. But there are certainly those who I've had acrimonious relationships with from the first moment. I've had some get up and walk out of my office. The bottom line is that how we-see-you and you-see-us is highly subjective, based on the intangible nature of human chemistry. The same docs that you think are assholes likely have a share of loyal patients, and those you like certainly have other patients who think they're incompetent and/or scum.
And I agree with you on who you choose to see. If the docs are equally competent, then I'd rather see a benign eccentric than an ass."
-Dr. Grumpy
