I agree, anytime a patient is considering spine surgery, a second and third, and fourth opinion are in order. And I understand what you mean about rude doctors. There should be more training on bedside manner, but I guess if the doctor is lacking in empathy and social skills, there's not much we can do about that. I think it's as important as their medical knowledge and skill. No one WANTS to be in pain and having to spend every day trying to figure out how to get better, spending all their $ too. People in need of medical care also need a lot of compassion. I'm a counselor and I have treated many with medical trauma, some due to the way they were treated by doctors.