Dammit!

[harm_less]

So is that what my friend should have done after receiving two negative diagnoses from a maxillofacial specialist 3 years back. I went to his funeral just after Xmas following his suffering over 3 years of various unsuccessful treatments for advanced mouth cancer.

Unquestioning faith in medical professionals can be hazardous for your health. If you suspect you aren't being diagnosed correctly do whatever you need to in order to receive what you believe is effective treatment rather than be shafted by the health sector.

I don't see that those without a medical education have any choice but to trust their doctor - but that doesn't prevent you from getting a second opinion. What grounds does any unqualified person have to judge whether a treatment is effective or not?

In the case I cited the specialist is the only one of that type available in our province, as is the case for a number of other medical specialists if there even is one of the variety you require available locally. In such cases a second opinion requires travelling out of province for many NZers usually at significant cost and inconvenience so is it any wonder many are so inclined to move outside of the conventional health sector.

A patient is well placed to know whether their treatment is effective or not; your health complaint is either improving or it's not. You're very much demonstrating that you've never suffered any health issue that isn't just a 'cut and dried' treat and cure situation.