How did you choose your oncologist?

Honesty. You will have to navigate your health for yourself as well. I felt the same way and still do but because of my researching I have a better understanding but can Ask the right questions. You will never stop learning.

Not sure what are you are living but I went to a teaching university for my care. Best doctors ever. UTSW

Jacqueline, I think you may have misunderstood my question. I am not saying that I want to skirt my responsibility to navigate my healthcare. I am asking how one finds an oncologist. Was one assigned to you, is there a website that gives information about multiple oncologists in the country, or did your PCP give you several options from which to choose, as examples. Although I spend a good amount of time learning about my condition, it is also a reasonable expectation to have my healthcare team offer some level of guidance, especially since I am just learning.

Le C, I agree with you, this is my experience....I was disappointed in how my primary doctor's office responded when I first got my diagnosis. I thought (wrongly) that there would be someone guidance through this. There is very little. The nurse at the office gave me a name of an oncologist in the area. They ( my doctor's office) didn't claim to know anything particular about this oncologist only that they have been referring to that office/ business. So I started with that referral. I decided i would have at least one second opinion regardless how or what I thought about the first oncologist visit. The way I did this was I just started calling up friends who either had been through this or knew someone who had and asked them about their experiences and how they navigated through it all. I also got on the Internet and started looking up doctors in the area. I had a spouse who called a couple of his friends too. I started googling questions, such as "what to look for in a breast cancer oncologist, what questions to ask...etc". I wrote my questions down on paper, that helped me when I saw the doctor in person. Hope this helps

I also looked at the doctors medical history, I googled a lot on their name, their license number, this information should pop up on the Internet but if not the doctor office should give it to you, it's no big deal, or it shouldn't be, the doctors licence number is public and they use it for everything they do. I also reviewed the reviews of the doctor on different web sites but I caution you on this as I found the reviews to not be helpful too much. When people have cancer it is scary and I think it is human nature to leave a bad review, not that their concerns are not valid, I don't know them so I can't say. But I'm just saying the reviews can be misleading and a lower review should not keep you from seeing a provider. You just have to go see for yourself. My medical oncologist is wonderful but she got a low review score ( like 3.8? I think) . We actually talked about it when I went and saw her. Anyway, the not information you gather the more you (or I) felt comfortable in my decisions.

Le C. Also I would think it weeks be important to get an oncologist that specializes in breast cancer but I don't know your geographical area and how many doctors may specialize in BC where you live. It also sounds like you have other issues to consider along with BC such as your bleeding disorder. That would be an important question to ask any BC oncologist you may be seeing to ask how to navigate your treatment along with your hemophilia(?).

Le C, I see below that you did find a provider. Sorry for my long response! Good luck to you, keep us posted what you find out if you can

Hi, I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. Refered to an oncologist in my medical group. Wasn't sure about him at first. Asked my breast surgeon about him and got a good recommendation. So, maybe ask your breast surgeon for a referral It then turns out I actually had 3 separate types of cancer, breast, lung and kidney. My oncologist has done everything possible to devise a care plan. He has been extremely proactive in getting my tests schduled so we can get to a treatment plan. I have stumped my care team. I also found out I can get 2nd opinions through my insurance and change my doctors if I feel I need to. Hang in there.

Finding the right oncologist is such an important part of your cancer journey, and it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about making sure you have the best fit for your needs. Many patients find their oncologist through referrals from their primary care doctor, recommendations from other cancer patients, or by researching specialists at nearby cancer centers and academic medical institutions. A good oncologist should not only be medically qualified but also communicate in a way that helps you feel informed and supported in making treatment decisions together.