There’s no alternative for good, professional medical advice. However, with so many medical websites out there offering advice, the internet is becoming a popular resource for parents too. Here’s how you can use your internet knowledge in conjunction with your doctor, instead of in opposition!
Mention what you’ve discovered. Most doctors will be more than happy to hear what you’ve discovered online. There are some that will be annoyed, but it’s your right as a parent to educate yourself!
Have a conversation about what you’ve discovered. If you feel strongly about something, discuss it with your doctor, but be open to his or her opinions and knowledge too. Get the spelling of the condition your doctor has diagnosed. There are plenty of diseases and disorders that sound the same, but are vastly different – you don’t want to land up on the wrong site, and get the wrong information!
Try to stick to professional medical sites. Look for sites that were founded, and are run, by doctors. There may be value in experience, but unless the person who’s running the site is a trained, professional doctor, and they are dispensing specific medical advice, you should take their advice with a large pinch of salt.
Accept that science is complex, and that your doctor probably knows best. Just because the standard treatment for something isn’t what your doctor has done, that doesn’t mean he or she isn’t doing the right thing – there may be extenuating circumstances you haven’t even considered!
Collaborate. Share any information you’ve found, and find out what your doctor thinks. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be working together!
The internet has made health advice easier to come by, but it’s worth remembering that not everything on the internet is true. Voice any concerns, talk about your observations, and discuss treatment options with your doctor. Be allies, rather than opponents and your child will benefit!
Mention what you’ve discovered. Most doctors will be more than happy to hear what you’ve discovered online. There are some that will be annoyed, but it’s your right as a parent to educate yourself!
Have a conversation about what you’ve discovered. If you feel strongly about something, discuss it with your doctor, but be open to his or her opinions and knowledge too. Get the spelling of the condition your doctor has diagnosed. There are plenty of diseases and disorders that sound the same, but are vastly different – you don’t want to land up on the wrong site, and get the wrong information!
Try to stick to professional medical sites. Look for sites that were founded, and are run, by doctors. There may be value in experience, but unless the person who’s running the site is a trained, professional doctor, and they are dispensing specific medical advice, you should take their advice with a large pinch of salt.
Accept that science is complex, and that your doctor probably knows best. Just because the standard treatment for something isn’t what your doctor has done, that doesn’t mean he or she isn’t doing the right thing – there may be extenuating circumstances you haven’t even considered!
Collaborate. Share any information you’ve found, and find out what your doctor thinks. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be working together!
The internet has made health advice easier to come by, but it’s worth remembering that not everything on the internet is true. Voice any concerns, talk about your observations, and discuss treatment options with your doctor. Be allies, rather than opponents and your child will benefit!
