Michael Douglas Could Have Benefited from a 2nd Medical Opinion

Know who you'll go to for a 2nd opinion

According to Michael Douglas, his physicians missed what eventually was diagnosed as stage IV throat cancer (Source: 9/2/10 Miami Herald post reporting on David Letterman Show). 

In a frank interview on the Dave Letterman Show last night, Douglas disclosed having gone to the doctor with persistent sore throat and ear pain.  Tests failed to reveal a cause and he went on to summer vacation with his family.  Upon returning, his doctor decided to perform a biopsy and the high risk diagnosis was discovered.

“This is a good example of how the 2^nd opinion service we offer to expats is just as valuable to people who live in their home country,” said Shai Gold, CEO of International Triage, whose clients include the international audiences of popular websites such as escapeartist.com and traveling4health.com. 

“Even celebrities who have access to the BEST health care money can buy, are not immune from mis-diagnosis,” said Gold, “Your personal doctor may be ‘too close’ to you, therefore more unable to render an objective course of action, discovery and diagnosis.”

According to Gold, “An Independent opinion is more likely to ‘pick up’ on anomalies because the doctor is more focused on subjective evaluation of symptoms and not preoccupied with a personal relationship with the patient. 

In this case, Douglas’ status as a celebrity may have actually hurt Mr. Douglas who apparently did not benefit from full and complete objective evaluation of the symptoms.  Other examples where celebrity may have actually hurt the patient include Michael Jackson,  Anna Nicole Smith, and the famous Marilyn Monroe. 

“While Michael has a high chance of survival, can we even begin to imagine the damage amounts that will be awarded in mal practice law suits if he is disabled, or if he passes away due to late diagnosis”, Said Gold.

“Whether you are rich, or just a working Joe, follow your gut feeling and get a 2nd opinion when in doubt,” concluded Gold. 

The challenge for most people is not knowing where to turn for a second opinion.  Ask yourself, “What would I do in this situation?  Do you know who to turn to”? 

Says Gold:  “Our 2^nd opinion notable medical providers include Johns Hopkins Medicine, (Ranked # 1 Hospital in the USA for the last 20 years by US News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals Report”).  The University of Miami Health System; Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami); Philadelphia’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Alfred DuPont Children’s Hospital and others.

The writer of this article believes strongly in patient rights and a 2^nd opinion.  I have had personal experiences that lead me to whole heartedly recommend that people not shy away from challenging their original diagnosis by seeking a 2^nd opinion.   I’m sure in this instance Mr. and Mrs. Douglas would support me in this.