New oncologist

90 % of doctors have sufficient knowledge and reasoning ability. The key is whether YOUR doc sees you as an individual and is able to communicate with you on that basis, not just operating on auto-pilot. I agree that a "younger" (say, 5-8 years out of med school) physician will be more open minded, less set in their ways. Here's hoping...

"90 % of doctors have sufficient knowledge and reasoning ability" might be too generous, especially with a rapidly-changing field like prostate cancer.

My uncle (now retired) was a small-town GP, chief surgeon at the hospital, and coroner, and he's said that most of his colleagues did *not* do a good job keeping up on the latest developments and best practices. He was advocating for mandatory recurrent training for all physicians and surgeons, but it didn't get very far (sadly).

That's one reason I encourage people to go to a major research centre if they can, rather than relying on the local urologist who might be great (granted), or might be frozen in time, doing everything the same way they did when they left med school in 1994.

As for your criterion, my new oncologist does seem to see me as a human. At our first appointment he booked extra time to get to know me, seemed genuinely (rather than just professionally) interested, and even talked about his own history instead of maintaining the studied professional detachment of the older generation.

Has to be a little concerning changing in mid stream but good to see you are in good spirits with the change. I'm happy for you the first visit went good. I guess you really don't have a choice in the matter and of course it is good you are being positive about this. I'm trying my best here to say I wish you the best on this.

Yes, no choice when a doctor retires, but I'm glad the transition was seamless, and I feel positive about it.

Also, I'm not too worried about changing mid-stream. I'm stable — in full "remission", according to my last oncologist, though obviously it's drug-assisted — so this may turn out to be more of a marathon (or relay-race??) than a sprint. The new oncologist even told me my numbers are good enough that he wouldn't bother having me tested so often (every 3 months) if I weren't in the IRONMAN study.

I was conflicted when I posted, my focus kept drifting to how I would react if I needed to make a change. Not sure how I would handle but at the same time I wanted to post positive comment on your situation. I'm happy this is working out good for you. Best to all.

My experience was somewhat different. One day a nurse told me my Oncologist had accepted a new position at another hospital, and I would soon have a replacement. Not exactly the way I expected to be treated. No goodbye,
you’ll be okay, you’re in good hands. None of that. Just move on. Now I am struggling with how to get around Chemo, and move on to Pluvicto.
All the best to everyone,
Philnob

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope that when you have your new oncologist, it's someone you like and trust.

Day and Night. 3.6 Years in on this journey. First cancer team + oncologist. Loved them, they saved my life, well they gave me reason to build a new life. Things were bad, family logistic were worse so family decided to move me closer to my kids home. Smart move. But had to start with new oncologist. First one, no way. Second one, what, got to be kidding me. Decided to take my care to a Research Medical School National Cancer level Institute Hospital. Night and Day. Wonderful care, trusted care, always up to the latest and greatest. Smart move.

Yes, I agree. Because I live in a big Canadian city, I was assigned to our Cancer Centre right at the start. It's part of a larger interdisciplinary hospital network associated with a medical school and research, so I've had quick access to other facilities (like a heart institute) when I've needed it, and a patient-support line to discuss any symptoms or concerns with an oncology nurse between appointments.

I can't emphasis too strongly how valuable it is to get under the care of what the Americans seem to call a "Center of Excellence" (see, I even used your spelling! 🙂). That way, it doesn't all depend on one relationship with one doctor — you're part of a huge network of care and research.

After some thought, I realize I'm lucky with my treatment team. I go to a very large center, ( I work in the system). I try to stay in network for insurance, so it's how I ended up going there. I feel very comfortable with my Oncologist but they do have 4or 5 working there, so if it wasn't him, I would see someone else but still be at the same center where it would be the same staff I see all the time. I have access to any treatment I could possibly need. And thank you to Northoftheborder for posting this topic, it made me reflect on this. This is a good thing! Best to all.