Is it finally OK to question your doctor? : An interview with Dr. Gerard Lalande
Patients in Thailand have traditionally been reluctant to question their doctors, with diagnoses often accepted without discussion and requests for second opinions sometimes viewed as a challenge to medical authority. That is beginning to change as younger generations become more willing to ask questions and online resources, including artificial intelligence, give patients easier access to […]…
In recent years, Thai patients have grown increasingly comfortable questioning their doctors, a shift attributed to younger generations embracing the availability of online medical resources, including artificial intelligence, and a growing desire for second opinions. Dr. Gerard Lalande, a French-trained physician with over three decades of experience in Southeast Asia, has observed this transformation firsthand in both the Philippines and Thailand.
Dr. Lalande is a founding member of Medipro, an international medical service team adhering to European standards, and serves as the chief medical officer at LUMA.
In an interview with Thai Enquirer, Dr. Lalande discussed the evolving attitudes towards medical authority, the role of AI, the significance of second opinions, and the importance of patients feeling empowered to ask questions before undergoing treatment. While the change has been gradual, it has become more socially acceptable for patients to inquire about their diagnoses and treatment options. However, some doctors may still respond defensively, perceiving such inquiries as a lack of trust.
The reluctance of many Thai patients to ask questions stems from a perceived obligation to respect a doctor's time and expertise. They often keep questions brief out of respect for the doctor's busy schedule, despite recognizing the value of seeking clarification. The internet and AI have transformed patient-doctor interactions by providing patients with organized symptom analysis and concise question lists, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and enabling more informed discussions.
The misconception that questioning a doctor signifies distrust is unwarranted. A consultation should be a collaborative conversation aimed at achieving the same goal: ensuring the patient's well-being. At LUMA, the guiding principle remains "first, do no harm." When patients seek explanations for tests or alternatives, they are not challenging the doctor's competence but rather striving to comprehend their bodies and make informed decisions regarding their treatment.
A competent physician should welcome such dialogue, as it can empower patients and enhance the healing process through the human connection between doctors and patients.
Written by urgent.news from Thai Enquirer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
