Why Doctors Choose Not to Prefer Their Own Hospitals for Treatment

As a patient undergoing three major operations, I made a conscious decision to choose my own hospital for each procedure. However, this personal experience highlights a broader issue within the medical community: why doctors often do not prefer to go to their own hospitals for their own treatments. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this seemingly paradoxical situation.

Understanding the Medical Profession

From my experience, it is important to clarify the dynamics of the medical profession. Not one doctor made an appearance to support me during my procedures, despite my hospital being one that they might own. This raises a question: why would doctors, who typically own or are affiliated with their own medical centers, not trust their own facilities for personal care?

Contrary to popular belief, it is rare for general practitioners or specialists to own an entire hospital. While it is common for specialists like plastic surgeons or oral surgeons to have their own fully staffed clinics or offices, the ownership of a large general hospital is significantly less common.

The Reality of Modern Healthcare

In recent years, there has been a notable trend where doctors have started to focus more on making medical treatment a profitable business rather than maintaining hospitals. This shift often results in various quality issues, which can greatly impact the care received by patients. Common problems include:

Improper Cleaning of Hospital Bedding Rooms: This can lead to cross-infections and other hygiene-related issues, posing serious risks to patient wellbeing. Medical Equipment and Diagnostic Monitors: Outdated or inadequate equipment can severely hamper the accuracy of diagnoses and treatments. Anti-Ethical Behavior: Staff might exhibit arrogance or other unprofessional behaviors, which can create a hostile environment for patients and their families.

Given these issues, it is not uncommon for doctors to avoid using their own hospitals for personal treatment. For example, a doctor who recently delivered multiple patients in their own hospital stated that the facility lacked the necessary equipment for her pregnancy, leading her to seek treatment at a nearby hospital. This situation raises the critical question: how can these doctors be recommending their hospitals to other patients when they are choosing not to use them for themselves or their families?

Consequences and Ethical Considerations

When doctors do suggest that others come to their hospitals, despite these shortcomings, it can be seen as unethical and potentially dangerous. For instance, a doctor encouraging patients to travel to a remote hospital in hopes of making more money from their patients is not only exploitative but also risks the safety and welfare of these individuals.

There is an additional factor to consider: doctors often have personal preferences for certain hospitals where they have better access to the necessary medical equipment and expertise. In such cases, they may prefer to go to the hospital where their preferred physician has privileges, rather than to a hospital they own or where they work.

Conclusion

The reality of modern healthcare often places doctors in uncomfortable positions when it comes to choosing where to seek medical treatment. The reasons behind this decision go beyond mere awkwardness or professional discomfort, reflecting a broader need for transparent and high-quality medical care. As consumers and patients, it is crucial to advocate for and support hospitals that prioritize patient welfare over profit. By doing so, we can work towards a healthcare system that is both ethical and responsive to the needs of all its users.