On a drive across Virginia I recently listened to Brooke Shield’s new book – Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Age. For a Gen X woman like me, it was a delightful listen / read. What struck me most however, wasn’t her wit or reflections on motherhood or marriage, but the entire chapter (Chapter 5) where she outlines the numerous times she had been the victim (my word not hers) of medical malpractice.
Yes, one of the most recognizable celebrities’ of my generation had not one, not two, but three very concrete experiences with the American medical community where she was harmed by negligent medical care or communication.
She outlines the three separate events (2x surgery, and 1x post surgical infection) in great detail. She relays the very specific incidents of where, she was:
- Talked down to by medical providers
- Battered – legally, by a surgeon performing a procedure she did not ask for or agree to
- Ignored by medical providers (after a failed surgery she knew had caused harm)
- Operated on by untrained and unskilled surgeon
- Had to undergo additional surgery and weeks of rehab because of surgical malpractice
I have personally witnessed and heard stories of similar misogynistic actions, dismissive care, thoughtless action without informed consent being provided to my friends, family and clients. BUT TO FREAKING BROOKE SHIELDS? Princeton educated, famous beauty Brooke Shields with great health insurance and connections?
Folks – I don’t know why this his happening, but it is happening. And it appears it is happening to everyone – from clients in SW Virginia, to Roanoke, to NYC and LA (according to Brooke).
- Women (especially black and brown women) are not believed when they report healthcare complications, pain and life threatening conditions https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/1/11/16879984/serena-williams-childbirth-scare-black-women
- Patients are ignored during conversations about their own medical care
SOLUTION? I have no idea. Sadly, I think the for-profit medical insurance company model is partly to blame. Also, I think maybe bonuses should be outcome based, not just on number of procedures or patients seen.
Finally, since Brooke, Serena and the rest of us can’t totally rely on the system – we must be our own best ADVOCATES.
You must know your condition, your medications, your body. Keep notes. Speak up with something is wrong. Speak out when a big procedure is needed.
- Physicians do not communicate important diagnosis, conditions and treatment options to patients, even on life or death matters
- Hospitals compensate physicians based on RVUs, which often include # of surgeries performed, and or how fast patient visits can be completed (goal – under 2 minutes!)
- Unskilled and untrained surgeons do not reveal their lack of experience on a procedure, hoping they can wing it – when a referral to a more skilled or experienced physician is almost always possible
- Midlevel provides, without the same experience or education as Medical Doctors are performing complicated diagnosis, and care, without any real oversite
Do I have great compassion for medical providers? I do.
Do I have gratitude for them? Without a doubt.
But do I see the the daily harm that is being caused when time constrains, financial motivation, or ego creates a culture where patients are left out of the conversation? YES.
Do I see the harm caused by for profit medical care? DAILY. Demand answers when you know something is wrong.
While I have no data to suggest this, I think this kind of malpractice occurs to women more than men. Women aren’t believed when complications occur. We are not explained the risks, and advantages in as clear detail. We try not to make a fuss, and as a result, when we do – it is dismissed as being irrational or emotional.
As for folks who have a big surgery coming up – Ask all surgeons the following questions BEFORE you schedule a surgery:
- How many of these procedures have you done this month?
- Is there a physician at this hospital who does more per month?
- Have you ever had a terrible outcome from this procedure?
- Who else will be in the room with us?
- Who else will be allowed to participate in the surgery itself (PA? Residents? Medical students?)
- What is the worst thing that could happen?
- Have you seen that happen this year?
If you don’t ask, they won’t tell you. I once asked a neurosurgeon why they didn’t tell a family they had NEVER performed a procedure before they operated on a young man (and subsequently paralyzed him) – and they said “well, the family didn’t ask.”
No, the family didn’t ask – but that doesn’t give healthcare providers permission to stay silent, and perform procedures they shouldn’t perform.
So to Brooke Shields, I salute your honesty. I salute your bravery in speaking out about what has happened to you. And I hope you will motivate more Gen X women like me to stand up for ourselves and our healthcare.
After all, if this can happen to Brooke Shields THREE TIMES – it can happen to you.