Finding a doctor (Read 822 times)

I've moved in the past 6 months or so, and I'm still looking for a doctor in the area. I've been asking advice from people and trying to find someone who's taking new patients and who is on my insurance plan. I finally got an appointment, and through the physical, I thought this doc was the one. And then, after the appointment, she had some suggestions for me. She said them sort of passively, "I"m not going to tell you to do this, but you should..." 1. Lose 10 lbs. Ok, yes, nothing new here. 2. Stop running. Wha??? Stop running? Why? (Recent knee probs aside,) I reported no injuries from running. I'm not even a high mileage runner - I'd like to get back up to 20 miles a week. Her only statement was "Running isn't good for you." I hear this isn't uncommon to hear. What have others done in this situation? I have to find a new doctor, because since I saw her, something changed and she no longer takes my insurance. But what do you say to a doctor who seems to come from nowhere and says that "running is bad."

2. Stop running.

Honest to God, if I ever hear a doctor tell me this - I plan to lay back on that stupid foam table with the crunchy rolled-out paper on it ... ... and laugh my fool head off. For like ten straight minutes. I'm going to point at the doctor approximately every two minutes, and then start laughing harder, like he's the funniest damn thing I ever saw. As my laughter finally begins to taper off a bit, I plan to get up and go examine his diploma. Very carefully. And then sigh and roll my eyes. Maybe I'll ask for a transcript. At some point, I'll be sure to ask where he keeps the leaches and the drill to put holes in patients' heads. Then I'll wipe the tears still streaming down my face, pick up my cell phone, and call my insurance company as a I leave the office - and very loudly apologize for the bill they'll soon be getting from this quack.

Yes. Find a new doctor.

After you stop laughing at him.

Well, especially when such good aerobic exercise is the best way to lose the 10 lbs she told you to go out and lose in the first place . . .

Find a doctor who also runs. It's a legitimate question to ask. Before you schedule an appointment (or even after, you can also cancel) explain to the doctor that you run, would like to continue to do so, and want a doctor that's runner-friendly, and ask if they run. Second, find a doctor who has the time to actually call you. If the receptionist says that's not possible, keep shopping. If the doctor can't be assed to call a potential patient, then certainly he or she isn't going to be there to listen to your questions or concerns either. Third, go by word of mouth from your friends or other runners. This is not foolproof, but it's a good jumping off point.

This has certainly been a good laugh but on a serious note I had a doctor that said the same exact thing. I decided that day that I will look for a general doctor that was a runner. I found a doctor that had 10 marathons under his belt so I figured my new doctor would not tell me to just "stop running". This has been the case and I am very happy with him. Since you are new to your area ask around. check with other runners who they go to and hopefully your insurance covers them. If you do not know other runners check with a local running club and get a recommendation from a member. If you do not know a club in your area go to http://www.rrca.org and do a search for a club. One thing you can always says about the running community is we are supportive and if there is a good doctor for runners they will refer you. Mike P.S. - Next time something like this happens I might suggest you submit a urinalysis on his diploma.

If you can't find a doctor who runs, find one who is very active in some other sports pursuits. My PCP is awesome. In his mid 40s and at least 3 times that I've been in the office he's been on crutches for snowboarding accidents (he's had at least one knee surgery from it). did has also been out biking and pedaled along with him for a few miles. He's not a runner, but he is active and I can't imagine him EVER telling me to stop (injuries obviously have not made him stop doing what he loves). He did warn me at one point to be careful to avoid stress fractures, since they are more common in women runners (especially those new to the sport and this was before I had been running more than maybe 9 months), which I actually appreciated. It showed that he understood running and running injuries enough to give me encouragement and advice to help keep me running safely. He's also done a lot to help treat my allergies and asthma, which have also made running more comfortable for me. I've actually contemplated keeping my doc even if we were to move a half hour away. Or at least have him recommend someone with similar background and bedside manner closer to where we'd likely move.

Yay! Another Doc!! Andy, what do you practice? I'm a MedPeds.