In March 2020, Dr. MacSween diagnosed me with a condition (which I won't disclose for privacy's sake) over video call. In January 2021, we had a follow-up video call and scheduled an in-person appointment to further discuss the concerns I raised re: the treatments she prescribed, as well as to examine some new moles.
However, during the in-person appointment, Dr. MacSween either completely forgot her previous assessment or pretended it never happened -- either way, it was extremely unprofessional. If she had changed her mind about the diagnosis, she had a responsibility to acknowledge this and explain her reasoning. If she simply forgot, she should have read my chart before meeting with me.
After examining my moles, I tried to discuss the condition and she simply told me I was "normal" without any physical examination, further questioning, or reference to the fact she had previously diagnosed me. When I tried to remind her of the symptoms that lead her to a diagnosis in March 2020, she just stared at me blankly and told me to seek a second opinion. Bizarre, I know.
Accordingly, I asked for a referral to a Toronto clinic specializing in this condition (it can be tricky to identify and treat due to a lack of awareness) and she told me to get one through my family doctor instead. When I pointed out that they only accept referrals from dermatologists, she then claimed they probably weren't accepting anyone due to COVID-19. When I asked if she could at least try to get me in for the end of the year, she said "they wouldn't even write [her] back". I don't think it's a stretch to say I was basically handed a load of excuses -- her reasoning repeatedly contradicted itself.
Once again: if a physician has changed their mind about a diagnosis, they have the responsibility to explain this to their patient.
I am so, so disappointed. It's quite common for those struggling with this condition to see multiple physicians before finding one knowledgeable enough to diagnose and treat it. What's worse is that early diagnosis and intervention is advised, as treatment options for this condition are limited, and more preventative than restorative. I had thought I had gotten lucky with Dr. MacSween, but apparently not.