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The surgeon you choose is very important. Take your time
and ask around. This page suggests ways you can find a surgeon
who suits you.
Key Points
- Work out what is most important to you and list the factors
in order of priority
- Choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with
- Ask as many question as you need to be satisfied you are
making the right choice
- Consider issues such as the location of the surgeon, where
he operates, convenience etc
- Don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion
- If you have early breast cancer, a few weeks delay while
you decide on a surgeon will not have a major impact
How do I start to find a surgeon?
- Ask your GP
- Ask friends and friends of friends, try to find someone
who has been through the experience
- Look in directories such as the Yellow Pages telephone
book and lists provided by professional organisations such
as the AMA Directory
- Call the Cancer Council on 131120
to speak to someone who has had the operation and can provide
advice
- Find out about the register of surgical practice which
will tell you how many operations surgeons have performed
Choosing a surgeon
In deciding on a surgeon or oncologist you need to decide
what is important to you. A good way to use this list is to
rate each of the things which are important to you personally.
- You feel comfortable with and trust him/her
- He/she gives you good information when you need it
- He/she will give you a good result in terms of both look
and care afterwards
- He/she is accessible (for your needs) - this is particularly
important when you live in teh country or don't have easy
access to transport.
- He/she provides access to other services you need
- He/she is affordable
Good quality medical care depends partly on setting up a
partnership between you and your doctor. You have the right
to choose your doctor, but with this right comes the responsibility
to treat your doctor with the same respect and honesty you
think you deserve.
It helps if you can explain to the doctor how you want your
treatment to be managed. Your doctor
cannot know what you feel and want if you never talk about
your needs.
Good questions to ask your surgeon
- How many operations have you done in total?
- How many operations do you conduct a year?
- Can I talk to one of your prior patients?
- Can I see photographs of an operation like mine that you
have done?
- Which hospitals do you operate in?
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