"One-sided conversation"

My child recently had a rapid response appointment at Box Hill Hospital (BHH). Every time I was asked a question by the Paediatrian, it was followed by a hmm, or an aha, or an ohhh. I was softly spoken and kept thinking how can they hear me over their rude interruptions? They would ask a question and answer for me, and I felt they were trying to lead the result into a direction that was impersonal and uniformed.

Then the Paediatrian looked at me as though I was the problem and turned to my young child and said well the good news is you don't have cancer. My child is not well and we are their voice. We are not in the wrong for caring for our child's health.

My child is young. Cancer is not a word we have ever discussed.  The Paediatrian's opinion, based on, I don't know your child and any information they were bothered looking at. The Paediatrian is not an oncologist, and I felt their definitive answer was based on experience, not medical evidence based on tests taken of my child. They seemed to decide their experience was enough to direct information to a child who was not aware of any concern or risk of such an outcome.

The Paediatrian asked my family to leave to write their notes. Strange I thought. But also, I felt, as strange as them speaking to adults like children and a gifted child like a toddler.

Our obvious reactions and objections did not subside this person's failure to properly connect with their patient and parents. I should have spoken up earlier during the appointment but I didn't want to jeopardise my child's health plan. My child was taken aback by the Paediatrian's complex attitude toward them. I feel that out of touch is not close to a description of our experience.

Sadly I speak of a pediatrician who I will refuse to see my child again because our experience was that they lacked a human touch, compassion, patience, listening skills and understanding.

I feel it was appalling behaviour. I believe BHH should give others a chance, and not stick with doctors who seem to obviously lack an important aspect in health care.