Comments | daltong: Unethical Doctor

daltong

Unethical Doctor

Jun 10, 2004 12:36

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

( Cut for those who don't want to read about body issues )

Comments 52

karenbynight June 10 2004, 14:01:53 UTC

What an unprofessional, unethical ass. I'm so sorry you had to go through with that, and hope you find the right agency to report it to.

cjsmith June 10 2004, 14:50:48 UTC

Well said. "unprofessional, unethical ass" just about covers it.

daltong June 30 2004, 14:41:41 UTC

Heh. Thanks for your support!

daltong June 30 2004, 14:41:19 UTC

Thanks. It may be a while before I have the emotional distance to be able to report it, and I don't think it'll do any good because of the medical profession's bias against fat people, but I will report it.

My focus right now is on getting help for myself. Then I'll work on a little revenge!

ici1011 June 10 2004, 14:10:38 UTC

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 ( ... )

daltong June 30 2004, 14:43:13 UTC

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

Thanks for your commiseration.

cyan_blue June 10 2004, 14:20:33 UTC

Joining the others in offering my sympathy and shock that you were put through such a trauma. There is no call for how he treated you.

One thing that all the "lose weight and you'll feel better" proponents forget is that we don't get to exercise with a slim healthy person's body. When even walking a few blocks, or turning one's head, causes pain, then prolonged exercise is agony. Giving you those painkillers would make it more *possible* for you to move around more, *if* you so chose.

daltong June 30 2004, 14:44:39 UTC

Thanks. Yeah, rlpowell brought up the whole "Gee, if she's in a lot of pain, how can she exercise?" issue, and that's when Dr. Idiot asked what happens when I push past my limits, implying in the way he did it that I was a total wuss and that I should put myself in great pain in the cause of "losing weight."

cyan_blue June 10 2004, 14:21:38 UTC

Oh, and among the reports you make, direct one here:

http://www.medbd.ca.gov/

These folks are the ones who regulate his ability to practice.

daltong June 30 2004, 14:45:03 UTC

Excellent. When I get some more emotional distance, I'll do that.

cyan_blue June 10 2004, 14:32:09 UTC

Check out the Fat Friendly Professionals List, btw:

http://cat-and-dragon.com/stef/fat/usa/us_ca.html

Dunno if any of these folks are on your health plan, but perhaps some of them could work with you towards convincing your health plan to let you see a different doc.

daltong June 30 2004, 14:46:05 UTC

Thanks, I had forgotten about that! I looked at it when you suggested it, and I couldn't find any neurologists in my area, so I'm just going to have to go try out whatever neurologists are around here and find out the hard way. I'm also going to check out the KAP list.