View Full Version : Doctor in Trouble for Telling Woman She's Obese
This is just priceless....
Doctor in trouble for calling patient obese (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9063638/)
“I told a fat woman she was obese,” Bennett says. “I tried to get her attention. I told her, 'You need to get on a program, join a group of like-minded people and peel off the weight that is going to kill you.'"
So now doctor's can't recommend what he views as proper treatment to a patient.... cuz it might be offensive. I wonder if smokers who are told to quit will be able to file complaints as well? :dizzy2:
Seamus Fermanagh
08-25-2005, 16:50
Your sig quote is rather apt for this thread.
Seamus
Actually, it wasn't just that he told her she was obese. I saw him in an interview on CNN. He also told her that she would be better able to attract men if she weren't obese. True or not, WTF? Now, I don't know about you; but I'd be a little upset too if a doctor started giving me relationship advice for which he has absolutely no qualifications. Obesity is within his purview, but advising her on how to attract men? That's for the local hairdresser or the gay guy at the jewelry store, isn't it? This guy really did say this with a straight face and went on to try and explain himself by saying that it was true statistically, except for a certain small percentage of chubby-chasers, etc. What the hell does it matter if it's true statistically or not? He's a physician not Miss Manners. At that point, I realized that the story wasn't as cut and dried as the media was making it out to be. Both the doctor and the patient are whack jobs.
Now, I don't know about you; but I'd be a little upset too if a doctor started giving me relationship advice for which he has absolutely no qualifications. Obesity is within his purview, but advising her on how to attract men? That's for the local hairdresser or the gay guy at the jewelry store, isn't it? Hairdressers have qualifications on attracting men? That's news to me. There are many drawbacks for obesity, attractiveness is one- along with many other assorted health problems. Again, if a doctor told you that smoking cigarrettes makes you smell bad and gives you wrinkles in addition to other health problems, would you be justified in filing a complaint?
Proletariat
08-25-2005, 17:36
Uhm, the social stigma associated with obesity can and often directly leads to self-esteem issues that can manifest in other diagnoses (re, depression). If she'd like to prevent herself from years of prozac and stress management groups, having a healthy social life is key.
Of course, if bacon-wrapped sausages are more important to her than leading a healthy social and sex life, we'll that's her. But it certainly is not out of line for him to bring it up, as long as tact is applied.
yesdachi
08-25-2005, 17:52
I'd be a little upset too if a doctor started giving me relationship advice for which he has absolutely no qualifications.
Maybe he does have the qualifications?!? :biker:
Heh, if my doctor said that smoking made me smell bad and gave me wrinkles, fine. If, on the other hand he suggested that by giving up smoking then I'd pick up more hot chicks, then I'd have a problem with his professionalism.
Again, I'm not defending the fat lady in this story. But the doctor isn't the knight in shining white armor as he's being protrayed. I watched this guy give an interview, and seriously - he's a whack job. Reminded me of Kevourkian, actually.
Duke of Gloucester
08-25-2005, 18:15
Of course, if bacon-wrapped sausages are more important to her than leading a healthy social and sex life, we'll that's her. But it certainly is not out of line for him to bring it up, as long as tact is applied.
Yes, because fat people never have friends or sex and they all eat bacon wrapped sausages. This comment shows why the doctor needed to be more sensitive.
Again, I'm not defending the fat lady in this story. But the doctor isn't the knight in shining white armor as he's being protrayed. I watched this guy give an interview, and seriously - he's a whack job. Reminded me of Kevourkian, actually.Yeah, I suspect the article was at least a little one-sided to try and provoke outrage- it's good for ratings afterall. Nonetheless, I still think it absurd to file a complaint and try to get him sanctioned.
Even if he was less than diplomatic about it- so what? You know what I do if I think my doctor has poor bedside manner or is rude? I find a new doctor. It's not like he misdiagnosed her or something. The charge is, basically, that he was rude- I don't think that's something that you suspend someone's medical license for.
Yes, because fat people never have friends or sex and they all eat bacon wrapped sausages.Exactly. ~D
If anyone should be allowed to say Anything to someone its the doctor. Being fat isnt good. I constantly have to think about my own weight couse I gain weight really reall fast if im not carefull, so I workout and try to eat right.
And for the love of (your) god, im tired to hearing from people that are fat that complain constantly that people look at them in a strange way. Im gonna be 100% honest... for me (and im not talking for anyone ells) fat people are less sexy then normal-weight people, now ofcourse you shouldnt be really thin, thats just as ugly.
But seeing as how our society is build up its not strange people (specially in the US) have trubble with their weight. Specially with Burger King and McDonalds around every corner.
Follow two rules in your life if your overweight; 1 Eat less, 2 Exercise more.
Forget about special diets and such crap, eat normal food, dont drink pepsi and such shit.
.... oh and eat your sallad! :bow:
Reverend Joe
08-25-2005, 21:55
It's crap like this that reminds me why I vary rarely watch the news anymore. I'm all for the paper- there's much less mindless drudgery in the paper that does nothing but remind me that 90% of Americans are stupid and/or ignorant.
Louis VI the Fat
08-25-2005, 22:08
Oh, who's the porker trying to kid?
She should've complained if her doctor did not tell her to drop some weight.
Like smoking, obesity affects your overall health. As her doctor, he's suppossed to tell her this.
But same as with people who smoke, it's not those health issues that convince people to change their habit. Being told that you have a vastly increased chance of dying from a hearth attack or lung cancer in a few decades time doesn't do it. It takes a great effort to change bad eating or smoking habits. You need to convince them by the promise of a reward in the foreseeable future.
'You won't stink anymore and your teeth won't rot.' Or, 'There'll be no more miss Piggy jokes behind your back and people will want to have sex with you'.
Anti-smoking ads seem to have picked up on this.
Papewaio
08-25-2005, 22:37
Actually, it wasn't just that he told her she was obese. I saw him in an interview on CNN. He also told her that she would be better able to attract men if she weren't obese. True or not, WTF? Now, I don't know about you; but I'd be a little upset too if a doctor started giving me relationship advice for which he has absolutely no qualifications. Obesity is within his purview, but advising her on how to attract men? That's for the local hairdresser or the gay guy at the jewelry store, isn't it? This guy really did say this with a straight face and went on to try and explain himself by saying that it was true statistically, except for a certain small percentage of chubby-chasers, etc. What the hell does it matter if it's true statistically or not? He's a physician not Miss Manners. At that point, I realized that the story wasn't as cut and dried as the media was making it out to be. Both the doctor and the patient are whack jobs.
Actually fertility is a health issue. Attractiveness is linked with fertility. Obesity reduces fertility. Fertility is a good measure of overall health as it is one of the first things to drop (for a guy your meatwad is the miners canary... it drops as your cardiovascular system starts to fail).
Obesity is linked with self esteem and other mental issues.
Obesity can be the result of genetic disorders as well.
So looking at an obese person they are less fertile hence the brain processes that as less attractive.
Also looking at an obese person the brain processes 'they have social and mental issues' if they can't look after themselves they can't look after me and offspring. So they are seen as less attractive again.
If the problem is a genetic disorder, well this is an even better reason the brain will avoid the mate.
However some people will find opposites attractive, and combination of really different genes can be ultimately more healthy offspring.
I think it is a pathetic (as in pathos sad) society that cannot call a spade a spade. She is obese, her life span will be shorter, she is less fertile, probably has either mental disorders, lack of willpower or planning skills, or a medical problem causing her to be fat, overall she is not a good choice as a mate.
Oh and smoking is bad for the pecker too... it is a cardiovascular inhibitor, causes the pump that pumps the pecker to have less horsepower, causes the pecker to become impotent and also causes the pecker to become shorter due to carpillary damage... given the popularity of viagra I doubt these results are attractive to the opposite sex.
Adults take responsibility for their actions and clean up their own mess.
Azi Tohak
08-25-2005, 23:15
Adults take responsibility for their actions and clean up their own mess.
If only that would actually happen sometime!
Fat chicks need love too right?
They've just got to pay! ~D
Azi
P.S. Am I going to get a warning for this?
Ok, let me try one more time to make my point clear here; before I give up.
I'm not defending her for filing a complaint for his discussing her obesity.
I'm not saying that obesity doesn't affect physical attraction.
I'm saying that the way in which he discussed the physical attraction aspect with her was unprofessional. Rather extremely so. I listened to the man in his own words when he was asked it it was true that he had brought up attracting men. His answer was affirmative. But the way he explained it was not as you have Papewaio, his attitude was really much closer to "look, if you're fat, you won't get laid!" I'm serious. He had all the bed side manner of an oncologist walking in to tell a terminal patient the bad news and just saying, "Hey, guess what? You're going to die. Oh, look at the time. Gotta run!"
Do you see the point that I'm trying to make here? The news stories are painting this guy as some kind of saint, and he ain't. His approach unprofessional. I'm not concerned with the merits of her filing a complaint. I'm just saying this story has a hidden side to it which might explain why she filed the complaint rather than just going to find a doctor with whom she was more comfortable.
bmolsson
08-25-2005, 23:57
A few days in court might make her lose a few pounds.... ~;)
Crazed Rabbit
08-26-2005, 00:13
Not in our pampered prisons.
Crazed Rabbit
Proletariat
08-26-2005, 00:14
Do you see the point that I'm trying to make here?
Not unless being frank violates the Hippocratic Oath. Being unattractive is a health risk. He is a health care provider.
If he was rude, BFD. Go to another doctor who will say the same thing in song version (or which ever manner that would not offend you or this lady.)
Strike For The South
08-26-2005, 00:22
Uhm, the social stigma associated with obesity can and often directly leads to self-esteem issues that can manifest in other diagnoses (re, depression). If she'd like to prevent herself from years of prozac and stress management groups, having a healthy social life is key.
Of course, if bacon-wrapped sausages are more important to her than leading a healthy social and sex life, we'll that's her. But it certainly is not out of line for him to bring it up, as long as tact is applied.
She has made my point for me thank you ~:cheers:
Not unless being frank violates the Hippocratic Oath. Being unattractive is a health risk. He is a health care provider.
If he was rude, BFD. Go to another doctor who will say the same thing in song version (or which ever manner that would not offend you or this lady.)
what she said...a woman ~;) ~D
I mean if you're fat and overweight (and definitely if obese) you have a health problem. In many cases, being obese causes social problems as well...it's bad for your overall health and wellbeing, socially and literally
Zalmoxis
08-26-2005, 07:03
You can't call fat people fat, but now you can't call them obese, but you can hassle somkers in public. It's a wonderful world.
AntiochusIII
08-26-2005, 07:36
I'm always intrigued by the similar sound that "obese" and "disease" make. It's as if a hidden hand is trying to warn us not to each too much Mcdonalds! ~D
Strange that I am always too thin for my own good despite horrible eating habits.
Red Harvest
08-26-2005, 08:04
Fertility is a good measure of overall health as it is one of the first things to drop (for a guy your meatwad is the miners canary... it drops as your cardiovascular system starts to fail).
Thank God, I'm going to live forever!
On the other hand, is anybody else concerned about those commercials for ED drugs that warn: "in the rare event of an [period of inflation] lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), seek immediate medical attention to avoid long-term injury."
Injury to whom??? ~;)
First time I heard that, I thought "People need drugs to experience this?" ~D
Soulforged
08-26-2005, 08:18
So in USA you can actually sue anybody for anything? ~;) .
At least i can breath safely here.
Zalmoxis
08-26-2005, 09:27
Yes. You can sue a school for not paying attention while attending it.
Ironside
08-26-2005, 12:51
I'm always intrigued by the similar sound that "obese" and "disease" make. It's as if a hidden hand is trying to warn us not to each too much Mcdonalds! ~D
Ohhh please ~:rolleyes:
Is next next step to say that cheese is dangerous due to the simular sound? ~;)
i can just imagine the alternative...
errr....lady...you´re not fat....you´re..errrr.....horizontally challenged ~D
Not unless being frank violates the Hippocratic Oath. Being unattractive is a health risk. He is a health care provider.
If he was rude, BFD. Go to another doctor who will say the same thing in song version (or which ever manner that would not offend you or this lady.)
So, basically, you're saying you didn't read my whole post. Well, that's good to know.
sharrukin
08-26-2005, 15:38
So, basically, you're saying you didn't read my whole post. Well, that's good to know.
It might be simpler than that.
She may just disagree with you.
I'm saying that the way in which he discussed the physical attraction aspect with her was unprofessional. Rather extremely so. I listened to the man in his own words when he was asked it it was true that he had brought up attracting men. His answer was affirmative. But the way he explained it was not as you have Papewaio, his attitude was really much closer to "look, if you're fat, you won't get laid!" I'm serious. He had all the bed side manner of an oncologist walking in to tell a terminal patient the bad news and just saying, "Hey, guess what? You're going to die. Oh, look at the time. Gotta run!"
So what! Being insensitive isn't a crime and having a poor bedside manner isn't cause to have a doctors credentials yanked. What was he supposed to say? He didn't yell at her and he cut off her leg by accident. If he hadn't said anything he could be sued for malpractice.
If someone on the street insults her does that mean she can sue them?
Given the way people treat those who are fat I doubt this is the first time she has heard the terrible news.
BTW who was the last person to say she was fat and is she suing that person?
Well, why not? Why is she suing now?
When I go to the bank teller and she is rude, can I sue?
This sounds to me like a tantrum because she heard something in no uncertain terms that she didn't want to hear.
Were his comments hurtful and humiliating?
Of course they were, and there wouldn't have been much point if they hadn't been.
It seems to me given what the medical boards DON'T investigate regarding doctors this is worse than a waste of time.
If we cannot rely on our own doctors to tell us the truth about our physical health, then who is going to do it?
Del Arroyo
08-26-2005, 17:27
Look Aenlic, everyone read your posts, and if they don't agree, it isn't their fault. Just repeating it isn't going to make everyone think that you're right. And quite frankly I don't. I think that it's namby-pambies like you are are rotting out our western culture from the inside.
DA
Proletariat
08-26-2005, 17:29
It might be simpler than that.
She may just disagree with you.
Thanks. I don't know how else to explain what I said.
It might be simpler than that.
She may just disagree with you.
So what! Being insensitive isn't a crime and having a poor bedside manner isn't cause to have a doctors credentials yanked. What was he supposed to say? He didn't yell at her and he cut off her leg by accident. If he hadn't said anything he could be sued for malpractice.
Where in any of my posts did I say it was OK for her to file a complaint? I never have. I think it was wrong of her to do so.
If someone on the street insults her does that mean she can sue them?
Given the way people treat those who are fat I doubt this is the first time she has heard the terrible news.
So? My posts aren't about her.
BTW who was the last person to say she was fat and is she suing that person?
Well, why not? Why is she suing now?
When I go to the bank teller and she is rude, can I sue?
This sounds to me like a tantrum because she heard something in no uncertain terms that she didn't want to hear.
Were his comments hurtful and humiliating?
Of course they were, and there wouldn't have been much point if they hadn't been.
It was a tantrum. His job is to provide his patients with medical care and advice about medical issues. If she doesn't like the way he does that, then she should just go elsewhere. I'm fine with all of that. No problem. Never said any different. My only problem is with the idea of him offering her relationship advice. It isn't his job. Whether or not she is attracting men isn't medical advice. It's relationship advice. That's not his purview. He's not the village matchmaker. He's a doctor. All of the other advice he gave her was spot on; but when he went just that one step too far and became a relationship advisor then he went beyond his job. If she had even said, "Hey, doc, what can I do to attract men?", then he might have been within bounds. But that isn't the case. In the course of lecturing her on her obesity, rightly, he crossed over into opinion about her relationships, wrongly. What if she was already married? What if she was a lesbian? It's not his place to tell her, flat out, that she'll be able to attract men better if she wasn't obese. That is my point and my only point. He didn't explain it in medical ways, like the example that Papewaio used. I listened to the man. He crossed a line. Should he have done so? I don't think so. Is it grounds for her to file a complaint or for a medical review? No. I never said it was.
It seems to me given what the medical boards DON'T investigate regarding doctors this is worse than a waste of time.
If we cannot rely on our own doctors to tell us the truth about our physical health, then who is going to do it?
My posts have nothing to do with him talking about her obesity, giving her medical advice or anything except him giving her relationship advice, which is not his job. I have not once defended the woman. I have not once said it was right for he rto file a complaint or for the medical board to issue a reprimand. All I have said is that the media portrayal of him as entirely without fault is inaccurate. That's it. Nothing more.
A bunch of people in this thread leapt to conclusions, built false castles to knock down that have nothing to do with my posts in the thread. It's the equivalent of me posting that apples are red and various people taking great issue with my portrayal of the sky as not being blue. Utter nonsense.
Big King Sanctaphrax
08-26-2005, 17:59
You can't call fat people fat, but now you can't call them obese, but you can hassle somkers in public. It's a wonderful world.
Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that obese people aren't giving other people cancer?
Louis VI the Fat
08-26-2005, 18:21
A bunch of people in this thread leapt to conclusions, built false castles to knock down that have nothing to do with my posts in the thread. It's the equivalent of me posting that apples are red and various people taking great issue with my portrayal of the sky as not being blue. Utter nonsense.It might be simpler than that.
A bunch of people may just be disagreeing with the fatso, without necessarily disagreeing with you.
Maybe some really are 'knocking down things that have nothing to do with your posts in the thread'.
AntiochusIII
08-26-2005, 18:39
Ohhh please ~:rolleyes:
Is next next step to say that cheese is dangerous due to the simular sound? ~;)Jeez. It was just a joke. (did you really take it seriously? ~:confused: ) Cheese is, in fact, tasty; and I eat Mcdonalds often enough, if you think I'm bashing it. ~D
As of the issue here, my opinion is that to sue a doctor because he's rude, however insensitive he may be, is plain stupid. This woman clearly has psychological problems that arise from her fatness (gee...obesity). Such outraged reactions is likely a symptom of her denying the reality that she's fat.
Seriously, this is stupid. The American legal system needs serious reforms to prevent such stupidity.
sharrukin
08-26-2005, 20:24
My only problem is with the idea of him offering her relationship advice. It isn't his job. Whether or not she is attracting men isn't medical advice. It's relationship advice. That's not his purview. He's not the village matchmaker. He's a doctor. All of the other advice he gave her was spot on; but when he went just that one step too far and became a relationship advisor then he went beyond his job. If she had even said, "Hey, doc, what can I do to attract men?", then he might have been within bounds. But that isn't the case. In the course of lecturing her on her obesity, rightly, he crossed over into opinion about her relationships, wrongly.
Your talking about him being rude!
He was blunt and truthful about the consequences of her health. Her relationships are part of the consequences and thats is why he included them as part of the consequences. Unsolicited relationship advice is something we have all experienced and survived.
Drug or alcohol abuse effect your relationships. Should a doctor not point this out?
What about breast implants or breast removal? If they don't bring it up don't say a word? Is that being responsible?
What about romance and your sex life after a heart attack. In fact your doctor may not allow you to have sex after such an event. Should he just not mention that and let you die?
The effect of cancer and the treatment for it on your sex life and fertility. Chemotherapy effects all of this dramatically. Being bald has an effect on a persons life. Should a doctor not say anything on how to deal with this?
What about STD's(sexually transmitted diseases)? Tell them "stop sleeping with strange stuff!" Or just hand him the pills?
He's a doctor not a pharmacy.
Where is this line he crossed?
I just don't see it.
Your talking about him being rude!
He was blunt and truthful about the consequences of her health. Her relationships are part of the consequences and thats is why he included them as part of the consequences. Unsolicited relationship advice is something we have all experienced and survived.
Drug or alcohol abuse effect your relationships. Should a doctor not point this out?
What about breast implants or breast removal? If they don't bring it up don't say a word? Is that being responsible?
What about romance and your sex life after a heart attack. In fact your doctor may not allow you to have sex after such an event. Should he just not mention that and let you die?
The effect of cancer and the treatment for it on your sex life and fertility. Chemotherapy effects all of this dramatically. Being bald has an effect on a persons life. Should a doctor not say anything on how to deal with this?
What about STD's(sexually transmitted diseases)? Tell them "stop sleeping with strange stuff!" Or just hand him the pills?
He's a doctor not a pharmacy.
Where is this line he crossed?
I just don't see it.
His job is to discuss the health consequences, not her relationships except in so far as her relationships are a health issue. Whether or not her obesity affects her relationships is not a health issue. He also discussed the health issues of her obesity. Good for him. He just should have stopped there. Would it be OK for him, unasked, to offer her advice on a good car? Maybe suggest a nice home decor? Perhaps he could encourage her to buy clothes that "are more slimming" in appearance. That would help her relationships, too. Would it be his job to suggest that her weight will cause, however slightly, her car brakes to wear out sooner? If you really stretch it out, like you're doing with the relationships issue, then you can make a case - a ludicrous one - that he should advise her to lose weight because she is wearing out her brakes quicker and might thus have an accident. Think about it. Or at least try.
Maybe part of the problem is the lack of a real villain in this thread who supports the woman's position and her complaint for you people to argue against. I have to be the straw man. It's rather sad, really. And it's gotten old. So, feel free to start arguing about among yourselves.
Maybe part of the problem is the lack of a real villain in this thread who supports the woman's position and her complaint for you people to argue against. I have to be the straw man. It's rather sad, really. And it's gotten old. So, feel free to start arguing about among yourselves.
You were agreeing with us then? You don't support her filing a complaint and you don't think the doctor should be punished. So what are you going on about?
I haven't ever disagreed with the main part of this thread. That she's a whack job and that she shouldn't have filed the complaint. I also don't think the medical board should have done anything other than toss her complaint in the round file. I said she was a whack job in my first post, I think.
My problem was just with the doctor. If I hadn't seen a live interview with him, then I would have had nothing to say on the matter. But if you'll read my first post in the thread, my point was that he isn't exactly deserving of the media treating him like a knight in shining armor who rode to this woman's rescue and was treated badly as a result. He should have discussed her obesity with her. No argument there. But, really, he came across as a bug-eyed whack job himself. As I said, he reminded me greatly of Jack Kevorkian. His whole attitude was creepy. His explanation for bringing up obesity and men being attracted to her or not as a result came across as really creepy. His whole attitude, as I also tried to point out, was as if he were an oncologist telling cancer patient for the first time that he's terminal by saying, ""Hi! you're going to die. Oh look at the time! I've got to run!" Really very creepy. Kevorkian bed-side manners.
But, because I didn't just toe the party line and say he was right and she was wrong, as if anything is ever that black and white, I was jumped all over as people attempted to explain to me why he wasn't wrong in talking about her obesity. I was floored. When did I say, ever, that he shouldn't talk about her obesity? Really annoyed me to no end. ~D
Ironside
08-27-2005, 08:35
Jeez. It was just a joke. (did you really take it seriously? ~:confused: ) Cheese is, in fact, tasty; and I eat Mcdonalds often enough, if you think I'm bashing it. ~D
Let see now:
A response with a poor joke of simular tone and with heavy use of smileys.
What do you think? ~;p
Papewaio
08-29-2005, 08:04
His job is to discuss the health consequences, not her relationships except in so far as her relationships are a health issue. Whether or not her obesity affects her relationships is not a health issue. He also discussed the health issues of her obesity. Good for him. He just should have stopped there.
Relationships are part of health.
One of the causes of obesity is poor relationships, sexual abuse, low self esteem caused by low amount of positive social interacations. Some of which overeating is a security blanket and for others it is a negative feedback loop.
Read something like Mens Health. It has articles on Weights, Cardio, Sex and Relationships ... the complete spectrum of things that impact and reflect on our health. Health is not just a physical item, it is a state of mind. Our state of mind is greatly impacted by our social group.
I see the Doctors approach as more holistic in attacking not just the side effects but the root causes (okay that was a pun, but I just had to).
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