Can most physicians tell from his own symptoms and medical reports what kind of sickness he/she's having?

Question

If so, would that imply that many physicians don't actually go to family doctors?

If they do go to family doctors, do they usually choose a colleague of theirs, or another doctor with whom they have no previous contacts?

Is there any research on whether or not physicians actually live longer or shorter than the average population? It seems like that physicians sure have much greater medical knowledge than the rest or us, but their workload may affect their health to the point that it is actually harmful to be a medical professional.

Here, I consider anyone who at least has an M.D. or equivalent to be a physician.

Hope to hear from you all, especially doctors. I know it's several questions, but I have always been curious about this question. Thanks

Answer 1

I work for a group of physicians. They can usually tell when they are having symptoms of something... they usually call colleagues to get their opinion. I know that in our practice, we see other doctors after hours, or the doctor will stop by the other doctors house to check him out. The stress of their jobs, working long hours, being on call, etc. definately increases their health problems- especially cardiac problems. They usually lead healthier lifestyles than the public though- they can afford expensive gym memberships (and sometimes get them for free at hospitals), they usually eat healthier, and they are more likely to have good testing done... you hardly ever see a doctor who smokes either. They usually go to doctors out of the area for surgeries- so that a friend of theirs is not operating on them... When they have minor infections or something like that- they have another doctor call a prescription in for them. A lot of times, they will just go have the labwork that they think needs done, and it if comes back abnormal, they will ask another physician what they think.

Answer 2

* Many doctors do indeed diagnose themselves regarding various conditions, especially when the doctor in question is overconfident. But the wise doctor will be smart enough to get a second opinion from another doctor -- The other doctor has a more detached perspective, which is absolutely necessary in most cases. Many doctors will be tempted to rely on their own strength and intelligence, which can often be a very bad idea.

* Whether a person is an MD or not, choosing a doctor they know or one from a very good recommendation is best, just like for everyone else. It's always good to have a reason to have extra confidence in your doctor's abilities and track record.

* There may be research on the life expectancy statistics you ask about, but I am unfamiliar with it.

I hope this answer helps.

Barjesse37

Answer 3

Most of my friends parents are doctors, so growing up I wondered the same thing. Apparently, most of them usually treat themselves and their own kids for problems in their scope of practice (specialty) and for simple problems like infections and minor wounds. They usually only go to another doctor if there is a problem that they are not equipped to handle or it requires knowledge in a specific specialty that that can't readily treat or diagnose.

Answer 4

family doctors usually just write themselves a script. or have another practicing phyisican in house with them write one. Most usually know what's going on with them- or they may ask for a consult from another phyisican they work with.
No research if they live longer than us- i'm guessing not. They are just human as us!

Answer 5

my dad is and MD, has a PHD, is the vice pres. of the hospital. he has a family doc that he goes to. but only if he needs something or for regular check ups. it's more of a thing to do for having medical records and getting perscriptions.

my sister had a PHD- and she has a doc. too

Answer 6

My doc in 1999 diagnosed himself wrong and died of cancer. I was told he kept saying he was fine and put off his testing assuming it was not serious. He died within a year of onset.