much appreciated. You’re right: in a publicly funded system, we don’t often get the luxury of choosing our specialists. But while I understand the logistical reality, I don’t believe it should excuse poor communication or dismissiveness. When an oncologist opens with, "What are you doing here? You’re wasting my time," that’s not a resource constraint—it’s a failure of professionalism.

Like you, I’ve accepted that continuity of care is patchy at best, and I don’t expect concierge service. But I do expect that if someone’s going to implant radioactive seeds near my rectum or decide my long-term survival strategy, they might engage for more than seven minutes and refrain from treating questions as a personal inconvenience.

I agree—it’s reassuring that these centers handle high volumes and have experienced staff. But volume doesn't justify apathy. Competence without compassion is assembly-line medicine.

So yes, I’ll be requesting another oncologist—and perhaps logging a formal complaint, not out of vindictiveness, but because if we don’t call this out, it continues. We deserve better, even in a “free” system.

Thanks again for your thoughtful response—and I genuinely hope your treatment continues to go smoothly.