When you first began your visits with your doctor did you look around the room seeking the diplomas that grant the doctor permission to practice? Were you looking at the year they graduated, the school they graduated from and where they did their residency? Many patients begin developing confidence based on the physician's educational background. It's not uncommon for doctors, medical groups, and health organizations to put the physician's training and specialization on a website for all to see. That may take care of the initial stage of confidence building, but what's next?

Evaluate how comfortable your medical provider is when you offer a big of push back. That point in the relationship when you may not understand or agree with their information and you may sound like you're challenging their expertise, but you're simply looking for corroborating information to solidify you confidence in the treatment plan. Doctor's that are highly defensive, aside from having a God complex, may be insecure in their own judgment and treatment plans. This response translates to increased anxiety on your end and forever casts a shadow on all future recommendations by your provider.

The treatment process must be a collaborative effort. The doctor is not treating you in a vacuum and without your buy-in they are limited in their scope to help. It's difficult and often takes too long to rebuild your confidence in a doctor who has fallen over the confidence cliff. It's perfectly fine to find a new doctor, one that meets the needs you have to continue on your journey to wellness.