[NPInfo] Taking on Oprah

[Priscilla Merrill]

My reply to OPRAH.  I’m on their e-list for info on upcoming shows.  I
responded to this query:

Are you afraid to go to the doctor? 
Are you or someone you know terrified to see a physician? Do you refuse to
go because you fear there will be bad news? Have you been putting off a
checkup for years because you're simply scared? Do you have a medical
condition you are concerned about but continue to ignore because of your
fear? Do you have suspicious moles on your body that you fear could be skin
cancer but still will not get tested? Have you been a smoker for years and
are afraid to get your lungs checked? Do you have symptoms like blurred
vision, dry mouth and fatigue and believe that you could be diabetic? Do you
have a history of Diabetes in your family but are still afraid to get
checked? 

If you or someone you know have been putting off a visit to the doctor
because you are terrified of getting bad news, The Oprah Winfrey Show would
like to talk to you. Please write in and tell us about the symptoms you are
experiencing and what you believe you may be suffering from.
My reply:

I am NOT afraid to visit MY healthcare provider, but had to respond.  I am a
family nurse practitioner.  I highly recommend including our role in your
show.  You always specify "physician" and should change your term to "health
care provider or advanced practice clinician" A large proportion choose to
see PA's/NP's (for more info on our roles, see www.amcollege.org).  I have
written Oprah about this several times in the past and have yet to see a
change or receive a reply.  We strive to make the whole thing less scary,
explain what and why and how we perform the exam.  I never chastise a
patient when they've been away from routine healthcare -- I positively
commend them for being here TODAY.  That being said, I've diagnosed many a
late breast and lung cancer because patients "are afraid of finding out the
truth".  They already know what I tell them.
Thanks for listening and changing your language to reflect the times where
not everyone sees a physician.  Please include midwives too!  The research
supports we are as good, and perhaps even better, at providing preventative
healthcare and studies suggest patients are more satisfied with our care.

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9:01 PM