Over the past few years medical practice has changed a lot , and so has the online pursuit of it ! Symptoms , diagnoses , differential diagnoses , randomised control trials and studies are a click of a button away .
Dr Google is now a reliable reference source , often a first point contact for most patients even before they see us , the clinicians . Most people have already done their research and come up with a diagnosis . Dr Google certainly contains a lot of information , a lot of truth and some fiction too ! The gulf between truth and accuracy and fiction can be huge.
Most people come up with fears of cancer , ectopic pregnancies , miscarriages , perforated intestines due to IUCDs, strokes , heart disease and the like even for the simplest complaints that have nothing to do with these ( of course having Dr Google as a partner in this diagnosis ) There are many however who may have made a correct diagnosis with the plethora of medical information available online .
I’d say one thing – please be educated and aware of whatever ails you ; Google away ! But don’t let Google make your diagnosis . Don’t trouble and stress yourself over humongous ominous diagnoses made with your online friend . Those sleepless nights are just not worth it . Worse still , don’t sit tight over complaints you may have , having being assured by Google that all is well .
It has taken us years and years of study and research , experience and pursuit of medicine to earn our degrees. Let Google not take that away from us ; let it be an accompanying aid but not your only doctor ….
Talk to your doctor today !
