Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
Some more questions to be answered that have arrived in my
mailbox.
Vaccines are very important in preventing dangerous diseases.
Almost all vaccines are against diseases that have no known
treatment. While there have been some cases of danger from
vaccines in the past (such as the famous Swine Flu vaccine in
the seventies) these are so rare as not to justify passing on
vaccines. Not giving baby shots seems to me to be
particularly ludicrous, as babies have immature immune
systems that can not deal with dangerous microorganisms.
I am asked about how to pick a good physician. I would take
into account many things. I do not believe organizations such
as Ezer Mitzion and the like are very good at this, as they
depend on word of mouth. Neighbors are also poor sources. Rav
Firrer, who understands medicine and actually reads medical
articles in English, is in a position to help with this. Take
into account training -- specialists are a good start.
Israeli-trained physicians are very good, but may be lacking
in courtesy. Western physicians get very good training with
the exception of Italy and France. Careful -- some Israelis
who cannot get into Israeli medical schools train in Hungary
and Romania, with erratic results.
Physicians affiliated with bigger hospitals are usually the
better ones. A physician who is working all the time is less
likely to have time for continuing medical education and that
is important. Experience also counts. Communication skills
are also important. You have to feel comfortable with the
doctor you choose. This is as far as a doctor is
concerned.
Choosing a kuppah -- I think they are all the same.
The law doesn't give much leeway in how they can compete.
Choosing an emergency department is also a consideration. You
will wait wherever you go. I think that the best places for
emergencies in this country are Tel HaShomer, Ichilov, and
Hadassah Ein Kerem, with Shaarei Tzedek on the way to the top
echelons. The care is better during the day than at night,
but that doesn't mean you can't get a good doctor at
night.
I feel the services that send doctors to your house are
useless. These doctors sometimes are right off the boat with
no training at all. The urgi-centers run by the kupot
can have the same type of doctors, but that depends.
Sometimes it is a moonlighter who is good. Arab doctors
provided by various services are usually also poorly trained
and a problem. Above all, remember that Hashem chooses which
shaliach to send his healing. Write me in care of the
Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Valtrex is available in pills and creams. While
it is the treatment for cold sores, it also is very effective
in treating chicken pox, which can be much more dangerous in
adults. This medicine is one of the most effective medicines
we have against viruses.
