@altc321 , I can't really say how hard it would be, because every place and every doctor is different. I've got a good and responsive care team at the moment, but they don't grant every request. It helps to prioritize and pick your battles without wearing out your welcome.

But, it's pretty safe to assume if you don't ask for something, they may not even think to offer it!

I try to phrase things in the form of a question, so it doesn't come across as argumentative or know-it-all-ish, but ask for clarification if the response is not going my way. Have some reasoning ready to offer in support of your request.

If the docs see that I'm going down a printed paper list of questions I brought in, they're usually pretty patient about letting me get through it all.

I've never had to ask for a different doctor at the same institution, but I have changed institutions in the past, with a self-pay just to make it happen fast. Within one institution, if you've researched another doc you want to switch to because they've published papers about a treatment you wan to explore, that's a possible angle (with a positive referral) to get in without burning any bridges. I've read of people having difficulty with this when dealing with smaller practices... It can be awkward, and I don't have any experience or advice to offer beyond the above.

I have switched MDs at the same center. After my diagnosis, I was assigned to a particular MD. It wasn't clear why, so we (my husband and I) just figured it was because he had room on his caseload. Anyway, the first visit was not good; he was short and impatient and somewhat belittling when I asked questions. We didn't think a lot of it; both of us have had MDs who were, shall we say, less than patient friendly. Unfortunately, things didn't get better. My first chemo cycle was rough, but the doctor was less than sympathetic and not helpful, and our next three office visits weren't productive or pleasant either. On the way home from visit 4, we decided to switch MDs.

I did research doctors at nearby cancer centers, but my hope was to find an MD at my current center. I emailed a nurse practitioner with whom we'd established a rapport and told her my concerns. I asked for a referral to a local MD and also asked about the doctors at other nearby centers. She said it's not uncommon for patients to switch MDs in order to find one they click with, and she immediately switched me to another doctor in the same practice whom she recommended highly. Wow, what a difference! The new doctor is incredible. He trained at Mayo and MD Anderson. He spends time with me, doesn't snicker when I ask questions, answers clearly and completely, is willing to discuss ideas and options, and in general is just a pleasure to work with. So, it is possible to switch doctors within the same practice. I would not hesitate to ask for that if you are concerned about getting the best info and care from your current MD. My "end run" meant that I didn't have to talk to the first MD about my concerns, which was nice, so perhaps you have an advocate or a contact you can ask about this. But if not, I wouldn't hesitate to ask your MD for a referral to another MD in the practice.