I have an old high school friend who became a doctor. He quite a few states away, but when I asked him some questions he kindly answered them. He also stated to make sure to find out where they went to school. I just don't quite know how to ask that when making an appointment.
This is a specialty doctor.
Thank you for your input. I did look up her name online and found out the school she attended. I also got word that school was acceptable to my friend who is a doctor out of state. Thanks Mama's.
I have always heard that board certification is more important than where specifically a doctor went to school or did their residency. A doctor has to complete specific requirements to be board certified in their field, so it's a good benchmark showing that the doctor knows his/her stuff.
All doctors have their diplomas and schooling certificates displayed on their walls. You have every right to view them. Just ask them where they went to school, and you can ask to see their diplomas. It's not secret information. Most doctors are proud of where they schooled.
I know the Highmark website / provider directory gives you all of that information.
I am not quite sure what you are supposed to do with that information once you have it though... Did he give you any criteria as to what is good or bad?
Google him. His practice should have a website with the doctor's credentials on it.
I would just ask about his education and certification when you call. It's really not a big deal to ask and should definitely be considered when finding a specialist. I called several doctors to ask if they were board certified and, if so, in what because there are differences. (i.e. plastic surgery vs cosmetic surgery)
most doctors have their certificates on the wall... if the receptionist doesn't know where he went to school then i'd be a little put off.
Find out WHERE he did his residency.
Find out WHERE he did his special internship so he could "specialize" in that field.
Ask away!! If he won't answer your questions -then he's not the doctor for you!!
www.healthgrades.com has education, ratings, licenses, and all kinds of info.
You can usually google all that information, but I'm not sure what it tells you? You don't know where he graduated in his class, or if he got the grades by cheating. And where he did his residency is probably more important, but, again, you don't know if he barely squeaked through, or was the most brilliant resident they ever had. And if he's been out of school more than a few years, probably none of that much matters anymore.
You are probably better off asking other doctors locally or taking to patients with a similar condition to get an idea if they guy has a good reputation or not.
Just ask! It's a pretty common question, especially for specialists and they usually are quite proud of sharing their info.
I would also ask the receptionist if the practice has a website. You can very often gather all of that info from the doctor's online bio (including residencies and published research).
As a clinician, I can tell you that I got this question quite a bit when I was working with a private practice. It's no biggie and your friend is correct in that you should ask! If they are hesitant about responding, find another doctor.
You can google the doctor and look up their training. Also, if you are on insurance, they post that on their doctor's list when you look them up.
Healthgrades typically has a listings of physicians background as well.
And really nothing wrong with asking the front office when you call that you would like to, prior to booking your appointment, know where the physician trained, what special licenses and certifications they hold, etc.
With Google anything is possible - LOL!
hope that helps!
When I interviewed pediatricians, I simply asked them where they got their medical training. All that I talked to, told me about medical school and where they interned without hesitation. So I would just ask them.
They often have diplomas on the wall. But he wont' be offended if you straight up ask.
Just ask!
Ask for where he did his four years of medical school, his four years of residency, and his 2-4 years of sub-specialty.
Our Dr's have info listed on their websites.
Follow your gut and if you don't feel comfortable or don't trust the Dr. then don't go.
I am sure people ask all the time. I personally did not ask those specifics because our Dr's were recommended by word of mouth and are highly regarded in our area.
Hi, T.
They usually have them on the wall in their office.
D.
You would simply ask the appointment taker or nurse who you talk to where the doctor got his medical degree from. I'm not sure how you are suppose to interpret that. How are you to know which school is better than another. I don't know the purpose of this question, but if you want to know just flat out ask. You won't be the first to ask that question and has every right to know. If the doctor seems miffed by it then I'd wonder why. Any good doctor is open and honest about everything.
K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
you usually don't have to ask, they almost always have their degree hanging on the wall in the office. Or, have a friend call anonymously and ask then you make your appt at a later date...from a different number. ;o)
My doctor's office and my boys' ped. have websites and all of the doctors schooling/creditials is on there. Have you tried that? When my Mom had cancer last year and was referred to her oncologist, we Googled him and found a list of his schooling/credentials.
I always keep in the back of my mind that SOMEONE has to be at the BOTTOM of the class if there's a top. Just something to think about.
