Menu

When to Switch Doctors: Expert Medical Advice

Are you feeling unheard? Learn why it's okay to move on and find a new doctor who meets your current needs.
General
Duration: 1:30

About this video

Many patients, particularly women, feel that their medical concerns are not being fully addressed. In this video, we explore the common complaint of not feeling seen or heard by a physician. Learn why loyalty shouldn't keep you in a medical relationship that no longer serves your needs and how to move on to a doctor who is a better fit for your current life stage. It is okay to seek a second opinion and transition to a new provider who will prioritize your health journey.

Suggested Videos

You know, when I talk with patients and a common complaint is, "I don't feel seen, I don't feel heard." So when patients are saying, "I just don't feel as if my complaints are being addressed," I often say, "It is time to look for another doctor. Get a second opinion." In fact, I'm actually blunter. I just say, "Move on." A lot of times we stay with a doctor, especially women, out of, loyalty, or they've helped us through a difficult period in our lives, and we, have a lot of confidence in them, even if they're no longer serving our needs. And so the breakup doesn't have to be, acrimonious.

It can be very pleasant. "Listen, we've had a great run over ten years, over twenty years, and you have served me during this phase of my life, but now I'm at another phase, and I need something different, and I need to move on to something different." And then do so with a smile, a nod, a, a handshake, and a, and a hug, and move on. Women especially stay too long with physicians who are no longer serving our needs. As we move through different stages and transitions in our lives, every doctor is not the right fit.

.bvs-transcript{border:0;border-radius:0;margin:0;background:transparent;overflow:visible}.bvs-transcript__toggle{width:100%;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;gap:16px;align-items:center;padding:0;border:0;background:transparent;color:inherit;text-align:left;cursor:pointer}.bvs-transcript__title{font-weight:700;font-size:18px}.bvs-transcript__toggle-label{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;text-transform:none;letter-spacing:0}.bvs-transcript__body{padding:0}.bvs-transcript__body[hidden],.bvs-transcript__block[hidden],.bvs-transcript__load-more[hidden]{display:none}.bvs-transcript__block{margin:0 0 16px}.bvs-transcript__paragraph{margin:0 0 14px;line-height:1.65}.bvs-transcript__paragraph:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.bvs-transcript__load-more{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-top:8px;padding:10px 16px;border:1px solid #151515;border-radius:0;background:#151515;color:#fff;cursor:pointer;font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:1.2}(function(){function init(root){if(root.dataset.bvsTranscriptReady){return;}root.dataset.bvsTranscriptReady="1";var blocks=Array.prototype.slice.call(root.querySelectorAll("[data-bvs-transcript-block]"));var loadMore=root.querySelector("[data-bvs-transcript-load-more]");var toggle=root.querySelector(".bvs-transcript__toggle");var toggleLabel=root.querySelector("[data-bvs-transcript-toggle-label]");var body=root.querySelector(".bvs-transcript__body");var visible=0;var initial=parseInt(root.getAttribute("data-initial"),10)||3;var step=parseInt(root.getAttribute("data-step"),10)||3;function setToggleLabel(){if(!toggleLabel||!toggle){return;}var expanded=toggle.getAttribute("aria-expanded")==="true";toggleLabel.textContent=expanded?(root.getAttribute("data-hide-label")||"Hide transcript"):(root.getAttribute("data-show-label")||"Show transcript");}function reveal(count){visible=Math.min(blocks.length,visible+count);blocks.forEach(function(block,index){block.hidden=index>=visible;});if(loadMore){loadMore.hidden=visible>=blocks.length;}}reveal(initial);if(loadMore){loadMore.addEventListener("click",function(){reveal(step);});}if(toggle&&body){if(root.getAttribute("data-collapsed")==="1"){body.hidden=true;toggle.setAttribute("aria-expanded","false");}else{toggle.setAttribute("aria-expanded","true");}setToggleLabel();toggle.addEventListener("click",function(){var expanded=toggle.getAttribute("aria-expanded")==="true";toggle.setAttribute("aria-expanded",expanded?"false":"true");body.hidden=expanded;setToggleLabel();});}}function boot(){document.querySelectorAll("[data-bvs-transcript]").forEach(init);}if(document.readyState==="loading"){document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",boot);}else{boot();}if("MutationObserver" in window){new MutationObserver(boot).observe(document.documentElement,{childList:true,subtree:true});}})();
Answer the question below

COPD & Clinical Trials

How important is it that a COPD clinical trial fits into your daily life?
What kind of support would make it easier for you to participate in a COPD clinical trial?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search