How to Engage with Your Sarcoidosis Doctor with Dr. Mark Lamos

How to be a better patient

With Dr. Mark Lamos

Favorite Quotes:

-Get it Clarified

-Getting Superior Superlative care in a system that is mediocre

-Don’t be led. Be a participant

-Engage yourself

-Don’t accept the idea of just doing what you have been told

-It takes a lot of effort to get good care. 

-You need to have confidence in your doctor

-Dismissive = Leave

Notes:

What is engagement: Getting on the same page so you can be a participant in your healthcare

1. Educate Yourself

1. Be well-informed about your disease

2. Carry your information with you

Steps you can take

1. Ask your doctor how comfortable they are taking care of your condition

1. Pause and wait

2. If long pause….“What is your reluctance?”

3. If they aren’t comfortable….”Do you have someone you recommend?”

2. Know your own health history

1. https://www.lifeandbreath.org/sarcoidosis-planner

3. During an Appointment

1. Before Hand

1. What are my goals for the appt today

2. At the Appointment

1. Start with an update on what has happened in your health since seeing them last time

2. At the end, Ask them to kindly send a copy of your visit to the people in my care team

3. After the appointment write a summary/history

3. Tips for communication

1. Look at the computer with them….

2. I need to feel that you are I are working together to take care of my disease

4. If you have a doctor you don’t like

1. What is it that you don’t like about them

2. It is a long relationship. Put in the effort to find someone you can work with. 

3. Look for a Medical School somewhat nearby