Posted by Adam on August 22, 2000, at 18:39:52
In reply to Re: Article on Problems with Medical Bulletin Boards » Adam, posted by Cam W. on August 22, 2000, at 0:23:51
I agree completely with your statement. I was thinking more along the lines, though, of answering questions providing factual information that perhaps only a specialist in the field would have a firm or ready knowledge of. There are, here and there, such places on the internet ("Ask Dr. So-and-So", where one email in 1000 gets answered, it would seem). It might also be possible to express oppinions or certain points of view without being unethical or carelessly gainsaying the advice of another specialist. Perhaps the great dearth of specialist participants in the public discourse represents, as you say, professional decorum. Maybe it just represents fatigue. I think their presence would be much appreciated and valuable, and I'm sure there must be some way to satisfy some amount of people's curiosity without overstepping ethical boundaries. For me it would be a dream come true to have a few technical questions aswered without having to do so much searching. When, on the rare occasions I do see a doctor now, the meetings are so short, and the atomosphere so uncondusive, I just never get the chance or feel confortable to discuss ideas or theories or mechanisms of action or anything. Dr. Bob's disclaimer used to say "get your information the old fashioned way." Well, for me, unless I was in a research study, the old fashioned way meant no information of this sort. The pros have such a wealth of knowledge they could share. Some of us are really hungry just for a portion of it.
> Adam - The probable reason that pdocs do not post is that it is a cardinal sin to step on the toes of a colleague in front of the world. I am a pharmacist and, if you notice, I never recommend a treatment. I give advice on the meds, but still try to persuade the person to consult with their doctor about any changes in therapy. It is only proper, as none of us really know the other's history or if we are getting a full story. We hear one side here. It would be unethical to try to treat someone without a complete history.
>
> My 2¢ - Cam
poster:Adam
thread:42703
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/43533.html