March 19, 2018
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VIDEO: Address internet ‘diagnoses’ with empathy
CHICAGO — In this video exclusive, Jonathan D. Leffert, MD, managing partner of North Texas Endocrine Center and president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, discusses debunking internet ‘diagnoses’ such as so-called adrenal fatigue or thyroid problems.
“Because of these situations that the patients feel so passionate about, it’s important for us as a physician to take them seriously,” Leffert said.
Leffert suggests listening to patients with empathy and concern and addressing their issue with education — asking patients what they have read about their health on the internet and explaining the medical literature lay man’s terms.