Doctor Who?

Sometimes (most of the time really) when we review data, we cite the big whopping percentages we find. Researchers and readers typically find it more dramatic to hear that the vast majority of Americans feel a certain way, rather than illuminating some small percentage.

However every once in a while, I see a small percentage that shocks me. And even though it’s a small number, it still feels very profound. Here’s the few I came across today in our health care data.

• 3% of Americans say that their doctor is a “bully”. He or she forces them to follow advice and does not listen to their issues or concerns.
• 3% say they have an adversarial relationship with their doctor, a person with whom he or she often has conflict.
• 3% say their doctor is like their “boss” and acts superior to them.
• 6% say their doctor is a “know-it-all” and believes their point of view is more valuable than their patients’.
• 11% say their doctor is a total “stranger”, someone with whom they have no personal connection.

Now, the good news is that most adults describe their doctor as a counselor, partner, confidant, or even friend.

But from earlier in the month, we know that doctors represent the primary health care role model for Americans. So why would anyone stay with someone he or she can’t stand or doesn’t respect?