Unpleasant encounter with a rude physician

DEAR DR. ROACH: My cardiologist referred me to an ophthalmologist to check my eyes for damage. What follows sounds like fantasy, but I assure you it is a true account of what happened. The ophthalmologist to whom I was referred — as far as I know a respected physician — walked into the room and his entering statement was: “You are not going to like me, and I am not going to like you.” I initially laughed, thinking this physician had a strange sense of humor. However, the encounter continued to be quite unpleasant. When I tried to ask a question, I was told to be quiet.

I eventually was allowed to ask my question, and was then informed that I was having hallucinations and that nothing was wrong with my eyes. On leaving the room, this physician said: “I don’t ever want to see you again.”

I am 84 years old and not always diplomatic when I speak. Perhaps I said something to the first assistant I saw, which may have been (unintentionally) offensive, and she relayed the conversation to the doctor. I do sometimes speak too bluntly. — Anon. ANSWER: I can’t imagine what you could have said that would deserve this treatment, which is unprofessional and reprehensible. I would strongly recommend that you report this physician to the local medical board. I also would not trust the diagnosis. Finally, you should report back to your cardiologist so that he or she can decide whether to refer to this physician again. This is deeply disappointing and an embarrassment to my profession.