How do I find a non-religious doctor?

[Lady M]

Hello everyone...I am new here. I have been lurking for a month or two and this is the first time I am posting.

I am wondering how I can find a non-religious doctor, specifically a gynecologist.

I went to see the doctor for my annual check up and for a refill of birth control pills today. She asked if I was still single and I said yes, then she asked if I was in a relationship right now and I said no. Then she said, "Oh, so you won't need the birth control pill anymore, right?" I just stared at her like she was nuts! I felt like she was trying to steer me away from it or something, as if it were "naughty" to prescribe it to me.

I wouldn't be surprised if "the pope" issued an edict to Catholic physicians that they are not "allowed" to dispense birth control. Didn't he already say that about the morning after pill?

How can I steer clear of Catholic doctors (or any religious ones, really) in the future? I wanted them to treat me according to their scientific beliefs, not their religious ones! Is there a national database or anything?

Thanks for you advice on this.

[Space Chef]

You could confront her at your next appointment, and tell her straight out that if she brings up religious bullshit, you'll be switching doctors.

Can't doctors get in trouble for doing this kind of crap? Maybe get a stern lecture from someone higher up? Or sued?

Also, you could switch doctors and interview your new one about her opinions of various things.

[Arctic]

I've never heard of anything like that occuring before, but that's probably because religion doesn't have really a foothold here, as it does in the US.

As for finding a non religious doctor, hmm, I honestly don't know. I've never known doctors to advertize their religious 'prefference', so I assume that it would be next to impossible to find an athiest/agnostic, or perhaps even a buhidist doctor. :confused:

[Loren Pechtel]

When you call for an appointment, ask the receiptionist.


Also, if you're mistreated enough to change doctors, tell your insurance company why. Enough squawks and they'll listen. While they don't have any true authority over the doctors they can delist someone that patients dislike too much--and that hits them in the pocketbook.

[Roland98]

I agree: just ask. Though I've been more choosy with my kids' doctors than my own, I've never been shy about asking them tough questions--after all, they're providing a service which I'm paying for (either directly or indirectly through my insurance payments), so I'm entitled to good care and the lack of religous B.S. which may affect that.

As a side note, I sincerely hope she was kidding (any *nudge-nudge, wink-wink?*) but sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if she's not.

[Bright Life]

I had a similar experience when I was in college. This ass wanted to know why a young girl of 19 needed birth control pills. He gave me some dirty paternal looks. I got my prescription and never darkened his troll door again. Ass!

Anyway, after that, I asked questions on the phone about doctors before I made an appointment. I will seriously not put up with that kind of bullshit!

Such language...I know...But thinking about that really pisses me off!

BL

[ipa68]

Welcome, Lady M

In my case, some doctors were not comfortable prescribing the pill due to side effects such as increased risk of coronary diseases, etc, etc, etc. They would rather recommend condoms and such. But that was me (and not in the US).

What I'm trying to say is: it might be something else, not religious related. My suggestion is to ask politely.

Take care,

Teresa

[liquid]

I think you may have failed to consider the most likely reason a doctor would not want to prescribe the pill to a woman not in a long term relationship (aside from side-effects).

Although an effective method of contraception, it provides no protection against STDs. In a long-term relationship, both partners can be tested for diseases and generally rely on the pill for birth control.

When not in long-term relationships, there is little you can do to assure the sexual health of your partners and barrier contraceptives are by far the preferred option. They also do not require the regularity or the cost taking the pill involves.

Of course, it's fine to use both if you want to be particularly safe unless you fall within a risk group for the pill.

The doctor may just be assuming that you would be following this (secular) logic. People failing to understand the difference between barrier methods/non barrier methods where 'safe' sex is concerned is a major problem in the spread of STDs.

Then again, maybe something else gave you the impression you received.

[Viti]

I would ask her to explain herself plain and simple. If it was in fact due to her religious beliefs, then call around to other doctors and as them flat out if they are going to be making arbitrary moral judgements during the visit.

[adf1972]

One suggestion: find your nearest Planned Parenthood clinic or clinic that offers both OB-GYN services and abortions, and go there. Those clinic doctors often give you a free pill pack, even.

I also think that asking the receptionist about the doctor's views before making an appointment is very wise. I was once trying to find a new OB-GYN after switching jobs and insurance companies. I needed a new prescription for the pill, because I was on my last pack. There was an office very nearby where all the doctors were on my insurance plan. I called and started to make an appointment with the first available dr, Dr. F. I then mentioned to the receptionist that in addition to the routine checkup and pap smear, I needed a prescription for birth control pills. The receptionist promptly informed me that Dr. F does not prescribe birth control pills due to her personal religious beliefs. So, I switched my appt to another doctor in that office who didn't have similar qualms of conscience about it.

[butswana]

There are a few doctors around here with Jesus fish and/or crosses on thier signs.
I'd think that if it mattered that much, one wouldn't bother with a doctor. After all, diseases are caused by evil spirits, right? So a nice prayer should clear that drippy dick right up!

[NearNihil Experience]

Don't want to sound racist but I am going to...

Avoid names like Abdul Hassad Imal Kahadin M.D..

I've just had bad experiences with Arab doctors, and if you are a woman......

And not to be too stereotypical, I'm sure there are plenty of good secular doctors out there no matter what their name sounds like.

Just ask if they let their religion interfere with the patients final decisions as to options and if they can keep their personal biases out of your case.
Be very up front about it...it's your one and only body, but there are many mechanics out there....you'lll find a good one.

Good luck. A good, knowledgable, and caring doctor is a hard find, but well worth it.
Most are just meat magicians.

[callmejay]

You can't just pick a doctor out of the blue. Get recommendations from people (patients) or other doctors you trust.

[fr8trainman]

Eh. Doctors. It's hard to find the perfect one, "bedside manner" is so important! I second asking the receptionist--no-one knows a Dr. better, and most will give an honest answer--they don't want to bring you in just to lose you.

Your Dr's comment may have been an innocent over-assumption. She may have been basing it on "what would I do", a common mistake we humans make. <b>But</b>... you were there not I. If you intuit that she was implying something that makes you nervous, it is time to find a new Dr. A Dr. should be someone you can feel comfortable around--not someone from whom you fear reprisals.

Best wishes to you on this!

Fr8trainman

[Sedim]

Often the most direct approach is the best. Once you know for a fact you're being God=Spammed, this statement is usually very effective: "Doctor, I know you mean well, but I prefer to keep our conversations on a more professional level. Now, what were you saying about (xyz treatment-related thing)"
I also advise you to leave the receptionist out of it entirely. First of all it's none of his or her business, it is between you and your physician. Second, personal details ARE a regular subject of conversation (translation: your most personal details are the subject of their humor, sarcasm, and mockery) between medical establishment personnel, so the less people that know your business, the better.

[8of9]

You might look for a certified nurse-midwife. They are trained and experienced in routine ob/gyn care and family planning. They refer patients to a physician for abnormal or higher risk cases. I generally find them to be open-minded and informative. They take more of a partnership attitude, sharing responsibility for my care with me.

I go to a practice that is primarily a freestanding birth center, offering prenatal and birth services, but they also offer routine gyn care for all women.

Try ACNM (http://www.acnm.org/)'s "Find a Midwife" link.

Good luck!

EDITED to include: Some midwives may also be religious, but you can probably vet those pretty easily with a phone call, if you can't tell by the name of the practice.