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$Title{How Does One Find a Doctor's Doctor?}
$Subject{surgeon referral Community Social doctor doctors recommendation
personal physician super-specialists local state medical association referral
lists specialists practitioners medical school American College of Surgeons}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Does One Find a Doctor's Doctor?


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QUESTION:  How does one choose a surgeon to perform major, life threatening
surgery?  I am not willing to settle for a local referral from my general
physician.  I want, and can afford one of the best specialists in the country.
How does one find a doctor's doctor?

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ANSWER:  Your is a question that must certainly cross the mind of every
patient facing important surgery, although I am not sure everyone has your
financial resources.  Though you state you would not consider the
recommendation of your own personal physician, how else to find a "doctor's
doctor" without asking a physician?  To start with your own doctor knows you
and your situation better than any other physician.  Although all practicing
physician are best aware of the skills and abilities of the surgeons that
practice at the same hospital as they do, we are also aware of the
accomplishments of those "super-specialists" that perform their miracles at
university or research based facilities.  If your personal needs would best be
served by such skills, I am sure your own physician would be more than willing
to provide you with a list of such facilities and physicians.  Your next
resource would be a local or state medical association, for they too, keep
referral lists of specialists and practitioners for all needs.  If you have a
particular location in mind, try the nearest medical school, Department of
Surgery, for their advice and expertise.  You might also consult with the
American College of Surgeons, 55 E. Erie Street, Chicago, IL, (tel. 312
664-4050).  They may help you by telling you if a society of surgeons in the
sub-specialty your surgery requires exist, and how to contact them.  I
wouldn't be surprised however, if after all this effort, you find that the
person you have been seeking may already be at work in your own back yard.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.