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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 0:00:21
A couple of years ago there was an article in the newspaper which reported that my psychiatrist had done a bunch of terrible things and was close to losing his license. I asked him about it and he told me a very long, detailed, and graphic story professing his innocence. It made me extremely uncomfortable because I certainly was not used to him telling me so much personal information. (For example, he went to two doctor to get a physical examination because the complainant had claimed my p-doc had certain identifying marks on his body, ...) Anyway, I was trusting and naive and I kept seeing him. He ended up receiving a 5-year probation.
His name came up again when I was recently at the Medical Board to be interviewed regarding my complaint against my ex-therapist for breach of confidentiality. I had mentioned him in the text of my complaint and the investigator inquired if my ex-therapist and my p-doc were in the same office. I said yes, they share a suite with several other doctors.
The investigator proceeded to tell me that my p-doc was a PIG and he had done all the things he had been accused of (like having sex with a woman in his office and paying for her breast enlargement and for prescribing Demerol to a male patient in exchange for money). I was quite shocked, to say the least. I decided to find another p-doc for my child and I thought I would try to get my GP to prescribe my Effexor.
Problem is, I needed more Effexor before I would see my GP, so I called and made an appointment with my p-doc just so my prescription would be refilled. I planned to cancel the appointment later. Well, I felt sort of bad for being dishonest so I left a message on my p-doc's machine in which I told him that my daughter and I would not be coming back because I had found out that he hadn't been telling me the truth. I also told him I was really sorry, because I had liked him.
About an hour later I guess he got the message and he called me back, unfortunately. He told me a long ranting story about how the investigator had a vendetta against him and that he hadn't done any of the things of which he was accused. (Sigh.) Then he got really snotty and told me that I had better cancel any appointments I had on the books if I wasn't coming back.
So now here I am and I feel terrible! I think it is because he was such a jerk on the telephone that I could see he is capable of being one. Also I had liked him and stood by him in the past. I have a hard time believing that people can be bad intentionally, and it is difficult to fully realize that he did all the things he was accused of. I feel bad and stupid and worried all at the same time. PLEASE, does anyone have some insight regarding this situation? Your comments would be sincerely appreciated.
Diane J.
Posted by stjames on August 28, 2001, at 0:44:32
In reply to A very long post about my p-doc, posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 0:00:21
get another doc and move on.
james
Posted by mila on August 28, 2001, at 9:47:07
In reply to A very long post about my p-doc, posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 0:00:21
Hi Diane,
you do not need to see your doctor to renew the prescription, he or his nurse/receptionist can fax the new prescription to your pharmacy. Call him and tell him that you have run out of Effexor. Otherwise, go to the nearest after hours clinic, or even ER room with your almost empty bottle of effexor and ask for a renewal of prescription, because you need it, but the immediate appointment with GP or a psychiatrist is not an option. the third option is to talk to your pharmacist and they will give a call to your doctor and renew the prescription by the phone. I have used all three routes to renew my antidepressant prescriptions in the past. they all work, at least here in Canada.
as far as your psychiatrist personal story goes, do not take it personally. regardless of what he did or did not, he is having some very rough times and acts more emotionally than he professionally should. It is up to you to decide whether his knowledge of psychiatry which he offered you outweighs the mistake in conduct that he probably committed, and for which he is already paying dearly. Finding a new psychiatrist certainly seems like a safer option. I am not that judgemental of people, people make mistakes and learn from them. Stuff like that happens all the time. He who never sinned throw the first stone... This doc needs stability and respect of his patients now more than ever to rebuild his life and to ponder about what happened and why. being attacked from every side doesn't help a person to reform or seek help. It only makes them more defensive and exacerbates denial and self-deception.
best wishes
mila
Posted by susan C on August 28, 2001, at 10:37:55
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc, posted by stjames on August 28, 2001, at 0:44:32
I could rant about my old p doc, but it would be sounding alot like yours...you are in the unenviable situation MANY of us face of starting over with a new pdoc. The best way I have found is to get LOTS of referrals and cross reference. and get lots of second opinions. You have my sympathy. Were Our Illness as easy as setting a broken finger...
Susan C
Posted by Greg A. on August 28, 2001, at 11:48:31
In reply to A very long post about my p-doc, posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 0:00:21
Diane,
You have to have complete trust in your pdoc. You may not agree with everything they say but you have to believe that they have your best interests at heart. They may be overwhelmed on a particular day and not give you the attention you feel you need, or they may not see your description of a problem in the way you think they should. BUT – you have to trust them. They must not only be trustworthy – they must give the appearance of deserving that trust. The allegations you describe breach that bond and you should definitely move on .You owe him nothing. He has breached your trust and has failed you. Not the opposite.
I changed pdocs for a completely different reason. My first doc and family ‘accidentally’ became friends with my family. He said he felt he could not be objective in treating me as he knew and liked my family and his judgement would be coloured by that. I respected that, and although I thought we would have done fine, I accepted his wish. He had my interest at heart.Greg
Posted by mair on August 28, 2001, at 12:47:37
In reply to Trust, posted by Greg A. on August 28, 2001, at 11:48:31
>Diane - I totally agree with Greg. It seems like there has been a breach that will be hard to repair. I realize this guy is and has been under alot of pressure, but that goes with the territory with his licensing board problems and he should have been better prepared to deal with your inquiry. The part of this that bothers me most of all is his suggestion that you cancel all of your appointments without checking on the status of your meds (which he should know by reference to his records) or offering to help you find another doc. Feeling hurt is no excuse for a lack of professionalism. Good Luck
Mair
Posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 18:56:37
In reply to Re: Trust, posted by mair on August 28, 2001, at 12:47:37
Posted by Phil on August 28, 2001, at 20:43:11
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc, posted by stjames on August 28, 2001, at 0:44:32
I would definately cease all contact with this, what appears to be very 'troubled'person.
That's scary. Take James' advice.
Posted by JennyR on August 28, 2001, at 21:06:13
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc, posted by stjames on August 28, 2001, at 0:44:32
It is terribly upsetting to have to put as much trust in these people (p-docs and therapists) as we do and then find out it was misplaced trust. But that's not our fault. We're not wrong or stupid for seeking out the help we need. There's just a lot of jerks and incompetents and worse out there. Too bad we have to weed them out and sometimes suffer along the way. Sorry you had to have all these weird feelings. But I agree with James, time to find another and hope your odds are better this time. Good luck
Posted by kazoo on August 28, 2001, at 23:33:08
In reply to A very long post about my p-doc, posted by Diane J. on August 28, 2001, at 0:00:21
> The investigator proceeded to tell me ...
^^^^^^^
And he shouldn't have! He violated the doctor's civil rights, and I hope this ignorant bastard gets hammered in court for his "public-service" announcements!
Your original complaint was about the therapist, not the doctor, yet this greasy little worm had no compunction in spewing the dirt about someone else who just happened to be in the same building. This is digusting and highly inappropriate for someone in the medical field. And the doctor is right: there is a vendetta against him.
In any event, you were about as tactful as a Viking in the Vatican in your approach to someone whom you had no problem with in the past. Such a pity.
But don't bother to look up, my dear, because the sky is NOT falling!
===================================
(I know, I know, "Be Civil")
I'm sorry...I get so angry over this sort of thing because we all make mistakes, and I'm no exception ... big time!
Posted by akc on August 29, 2001, at 12:29:54
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc » Diane J., posted by kazoo on August 28, 2001, at 23:33:08
Yep, kazoo, I think I will worry more about anna, rather than the pdoc or the medical board person.
anna,
A lot of babblers have given some great advice -- I can only say ditto. I have been fortunate to find a very good pdoc -- they do exist. Ask around, and don't be shy about trying a few. I would not be surprised when you explain your situation with your general practioner that he/she will help you with scrips until you can find a pdoc you feel comfortable with. Good luck and please vent as you go through this unfun process of finding a new pdoc.
akc
Posted by Diane J. on August 29, 2001, at 17:28:10
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc » Diane J., posted by kazoo on August 28, 2001, at 23:33:08
Remember what happens when you assume things..
> > The investigator proceeded to tell me ...
>
> ^^^^^^^
>
> And he shouldn't have! He violated the doctor's civil rights, and I hope this ignorant bastard gets hammered in court for his "public-service" announcements!
>
> Your original complaint was about the therapist, not the doctor, yet this greasy little worm had no compunction in spewing the dirt about someone else who just happened to be in the same building. This is digusting and highly inappropriate for someone in the medical field. And the doctor is right: there is a vendetta against him.
>
> In any event, you were about as tactful as a Viking in the Vatican in your approach to someone whom you had no problem with in the past. Such a pity.
>
> But don't bother to look up, my dear, because the sky is NOT falling!
>
> ===================================
>
> (I know, I know, "Be Civil")
>
> I'm sorry...I get so angry over this sort of thing because we all make mistakes, and I'm no exception ... big time!
Posted by Mair on August 29, 2001, at 21:19:15
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc » kazoo, posted by Diane J. on August 29, 2001, at 17:28:10
>
>
> >
> Diane - let's remember here that you did not solicit the information you got from the investigator and were hardly in a position to dismiss it or ignore it once it was given to you. Raising it with your pdoc was the responsible thing to do and alot of your uneasiness seems to stem from his reaction. Whether the investigator was out of line or incorrect in his assessment has nothing to do with the fact that this guy showed little enough concern for you that he "dismissed" you (in a way) without making sure that your meds needs were covered. Enough said.Mair
Posted by kazoo on August 30, 2001, at 1:22:51
In reply to Diane - pay no attention to kazoo, posted by Mair on August 29, 2001, at 21:19:15
> >
> >
> > >
> > Diane - let's remember here that you did not solicit the information you got from the investigator and were hardly in a position to dismiss it or ignore it once it was given to you. Raising it with your pdoc was the responsible thing to do and alot of your uneasiness seems to stem from his reaction. Whether the investigator was out of line or incorrect in his assessment has nothing to do with the fact that this guy showed little enough concern for you that he "dismissed" you (in a way) without making sure that your meds needs were covered. Enough said.
>
> MairWhat are you talking about?
Did I *say* Diane solicited this information from this moron? No, I did not, because *she* did not. She says this herself.
This investigator, by his own free will, volunteered IRRELEVANT information that had NOTHING TO DO with the ORIGINAL COMPLAINT for the SOLE PURPOSE to besmirch someone that proves, if nothing else, the DOCTOR'S claim of a "vendetta."
Let me tell you something: if this sort of information were given as "testimony" in a court of law, it would be deemed "immaterial" and THROWN OUT, because it is NOT CONNECTED to the issue being decided; i.e., the THERAPIST complaint. It's a NON-SEQUITUR, my dear.
RECAP: Diane J. went in with a complaint against her THERAPIST, not her DOCTOR, and that is the primary issue. The INVESTIGATOR'S malicious remarks about her DOCTOR, and not her THERAPIST, would not, and could not, be in any way helpful, or useful, in making a decision about the THERAPIST. In addition, whether or not the charges against the THERAPIST are true, he is now AUTOMATICALLY GUILTY by reason of association, and this is not ethical, legal, moral or fair and courts DON'T LIKE THIS SORT OF CRAP.
And not forgetting you, Diane J. (if you're reading this): that so-called INVESTIGATOR did you NO FAVOR in telling you this rotten stuff, because now he has involved you in a possible personal injury lawsuit for damages incurred against the DOCTOR'S practice via the "unfounded" disclosures he so casually spewed with great glee against him. This is why the DOCTOR dropped you as a patient. I have no doubt that he will sue this VERY STUPID INVESTIGATOR (and he DESERVES it), and, I'm afraid, you will be very much a part of it. And don't be surprised if the THERAPIST slaps you with one also, since this INVESTIGATOR effectively POISONED THE WELL by bringing in this other, unrelated information.
However, I really don't really blame you for any of this, Diane: your only mistake was one of gullibility. You LEAPED BEFORE YOU LOOKED in listening and believing the "dirt" (without confirmation) from a total IDIOT who should have known better, but inherently did not (Who trains these people anyway?). And then, my dear, you compounded the fracture by confronting the DOCTOR with this stuff, which was probably the cruelest, coldest and heartless thing anyone could have done. What did you expect him to say? How did you expect him to answer other than the way he did?
But I want you both to know something: I am NOT in any way defending the actions, or behavior of the DOCTOR of whatever he did (if he did anything at all), but I do know that nobody, even professionals, should shackled to a dead, rotting albatross for the rest of their life (or career) based on the ramblings of a small-minded twerp who has no idea of what the word "sensitivity" means. I thought this sort of thing happened only in gossipy, New England towns. Apparently I'm wrong.
Good luck, Diane J.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 30, 2001, at 2:51:20
In reply to Re: A very long post about my p-doc » Diane J., posted by kazoo on August 28, 2001, at 23:33:08
> (I know, I know, "Be Civil")
The idea here is support, remember? Thanks,
Bob
PS: As usual, any follow-ups regarding civility should be redirected to PBA...
Posted by Mair on August 30, 2001, at 21:32:42
In reply to Re: Diane - pay no attention to kazoo REALLY, NOW! » Mair, posted by kazoo on August 30, 2001, at 1:22:51
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >"In any event, you were about as tactful as a Viking in the Vatican in your approach to someone whom you had no
problem with in the past. Such a pity."Kazoo - I was really responding to these words which I thought did ascribe blame to Diane and to her account of her doc's response to her phone call. I should have titled my post differently, and i apologize for that but i still hold that Diane responded properly regardless of the merits of the case against the doc or the propriety of the investigator's actions. Sorry if i offended.
Mair
Posted by Kristi on August 31, 2001, at 12:35:10
In reply to Diane - pay no attention to kazoo, posted by Mair on August 29, 2001, at 21:19:15
Diane,
I am in Total agreement with Mair. Sometimes I think Kazoo is hysterical... but I think you might have hit a button or something. Don't take it personally.> >
> >
> > >
> > Diane - let's remember here that you did not solicit the information you got from the investigator and were hardly in a position to dismiss it or ignore it once it was given to you. Raising it with your pdoc was the responsible thing to do and alot of your uneasiness seems to stem from his reaction. Whether the investigator was out of line or incorrect in his assessment has nothing to do with the fact that this guy showed little enough concern for you that he "dismissed" you (in a way) without making sure that your meds needs were covered. Enough said.
>
> Mair
This is the end of the thread.
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