A dear friend of mine just took her daughter in for a visit with her regular pediatrician—just the routine check-up for an 11-year-old. The doctor pushed the vaccine, and my friend declined. The doctor became upset and started to berate her about her “unfounded” fears, and this was all in front of her daughter. She said that when she politely, yet firmly told him “we have discussed this and have decided this is not a vaccine we will get”, he acted as if this was some sort of personal affront to him. He was extremely defensive and patronizing, when in the past he had been very respectful and attentive.
She told the doctor that it was inappropriate to have this conversation at that time, but he would not stop. She said he grew increasingly hostile until she finally told him that the converstation was OVER, and she walked out. She is switching doctors, and she will NOT be getting that vaccine for ANY of her three daughters.
I just emailed her this article. Thank you.
There is no way I can explain that doctor’s actions. Tell your friend that she’s right to go to another. Their relationship will never be the same.
She ought to write a note to the first doctor to explain her decision, so he can learn to control his temper.