#61 When Your Doctor’s Advice Doesn’t Align With Your Well-being Choices—What Now?
You trust your doctor, but what happens when your doctor’s advice doesn’t align with your well-being choices? Maybe they’ve recommended a treatment or approach that doesn’t align with your values, lifestyle, or what you intuitively feel is best. You’re left wondering: Do I follow their guidance because they’re the expert, or do I seek a different path?
The reality is—you are the expert on your own body. A doctor provides valuable medical insight, but the decision is always yours to make. The key is to ask the right questions to help you determine your next steps with confidence—whether that means staying with your current doctor or seeking a new provider.
Schedule a Consultation
It’s Complimentary 😁
3 Questions to Help You Decide If Your Doctor Is the Right Fit
Do Their Recommendations Align With My Core Well-Being Values?
Your health choices are personal. Ask yourself: Is this recommendation in line with how I want to approach my well-being? If you value a holistic, integrative approach, but your doctor only presents pharmaceutical solutions without discussion of alternatives, that’s worth noting.
If a recommended treatment makes you uncomfortable, consider: Am I hesitant because it’s unfamiliar, or does it genuinely go against my beliefs about medical intervention? Knowing this difference helps you make a more informed choice.
Do I Feel Heard and Respected in This Relationship?
The best patient-doctor relationships are partnerships, not one-sided authority figures. If you feel dismissed, rushed, or that your concerns aren’t fully addressed, it may be a sign to reconsider.
Questions to reflect on:
✔ Does my doctor take the time to explain options and address my concerns?
✔ Do I feel like I can ask questions without being brushed off?
✔ Have I ever left an appointment feeling unheard or pressured into a decision?
If these answers don’t align with the level of care you expect, that’s important information.
What Do I Need From My Care Team Moving Forward?
This isn’t just about one decision—it’s about the bigger picture. Your doctor should be someone who supports your long-term well-being goals, respects your choices, and provides balanced insight.
If you’re considering finding a new provider but feel overwhelmed by the process, ask yourself:
✔ What qualities are non-negotiable in my doctor-patient relationship?
✔ What kind of guidance do I need to feel supported?
✔ Would seeking another opinion now prevent frustration or regret later?
Your Next Step: Making a Decision That Feels Right for You
There’s no rush—but clarity comes from reflection. Take a moment to answer these questions for yourself. If you decide to stay with your current doctor, consider how you can communicate your needs more clearly in future appointments. If you decide it’s time to look for someone new, know that this isn’t starting over—it’s refining your support system to better match your needs.
The most important thing? You have a say in your care. Trust yourself.