Unethical Doctor

[daltong]

Dr. Noel Goldthwaite, a doctor with the SpineCare clinic in Daly City, refused to treat me today because I am fat.

Comments

[ici1011]

I feel for you. As a BHM myself I can relate. I've had doctors tell me I need to lose weight. I then point to my general health and ask them to give me a good reason. I've got great cholesterol, BP and sugars. My weight isn't affecting my general health except it's hard on my knees when I work. Other than that it's not a nuisance. I'm not disgusted with my weight so why should he be. That usually shuts them up quick.
Doctors are often quick to throw out diagnoses but slow to follow through on themselves. I changed my doctor recently because he was diabetic and had the nerve to tell me and my father how to change our eating habits and yet he kept regular candy on his desk and imbibed from it frequently. How can I listen to a doctor who won't even follow his own advice?
I would recommend following up with the AMA about this doctor. It's never a good thing for a doctor to refuse treatment for any reason. According to the patient bill of rights you are guaranteed courteous service and not to be refused for personal reasons. This doctor obviously has personal issues he needs to deal with. I'd also recommend going to his supervisor if he has one and bringing them in on the situation. Even big people have rights and this doctor is trampling all over them.

[daltong]

Thanks. Yeah, I'll file with the AMA, but I need some more emotional distance first.

Thanks for your commiseration.