Finding the right individual or family doctor can be challenging, but add a unique condition such as mesothelioma, and the task can seem daunting. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will find that the medical landscape is becoming increasingly lush with skilled specialists and surgeons, thanks in part, to organizations such as the American Cancer Society and mesothelioma law firms like MRHFM. These advocates have worked unremittingly over the years to help raise awareness about the disease.

There are many talented specialists and surgeons in the field, but to find the right one for you, it is important to consider several common concerns, including:

1. Communication and Comfort Level
2. Knowledge and Experience
3. Network and Referrals

Communication and Comfort Level

According to the guide 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma by Dr. Harvey I. Pass, Director, NYU Division of Thoracic Surgery, it is imperative that you and your doctor communicate clearly and understand each other well. This, and how comfortable you are with your chosen physician, will determine what questions you are able to ask and how successful your initial visit (and subsequent visits) will be. Besides this, having excellent communication and a comfortable relationship with your doctor can help ease stress, fears, and worry that accompany a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Knowledge and Experience

Mesothelioma is like no other type of cancer. Its only cause is asbestos exposure and this exposure usually occurs in the workplace. A highly specialized and skilled mesothelioma doctor will have a firm grasp of exactly what asbestos is and its dangers.  They will also understand the different types of current testing, diagnosing and staging mesothelioma, and the various types of mesothelioma treatments.

If you have a doctor in mind, check their website before visiting their practice or center.

A professional website will likely include a detailed bio of the doctor including his education, work history/experience, specialties, awards, and publications, as well as an extensive amount of information about the practice or center.

Review this information thoroughly and note how you feel. What does your gut tell you? If you feel positive about what you’ve learned, you’re off to a great start. To support your decision, feel free to verify any background information by using the American Medical Association (AMA) DoctorFinder (an online Physician Locator), or by checking with the  American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), or the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Network and Referrals

If you have a primary care physician, he/she likely referred you to one or several specialists that they think will be a good fit for you. These specialists will also have a list of referrals for doctors that he/she frequently works with in treating mesothelioma.

As a mesothelioma patient, you will likely be working with a team of specialists during treatment. This may include oncologists, surgeons, nutritionists, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, and more.

A referral from a doctor you trust can go a long way. However, if you feel that you still need more information about a preferred specialist, simply follow the tips listed in the “Knowledge and Experience” section above.

For more information about mesothelioma, please review our Mesothelioma Infographic. For legal advice about a potential mesothelioma case, feel free to contact the legal team at MRHFM online or phone at 866-373-5000. MRHFM is the largest firm exclusively devoted to helping mesothelioma victims and their families.

Sources

100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma
Print. Harvey I. Pass, MD

American Cancer Society
Cancer.org

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Cancer.gov

NYU Langone Medical Center, School of Medicine
Med.nyu.edu

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Mdanderson.org