Oncologist Resigned without Notice

JeninMichigan

I found out from my chemo during during my Herceptin infusion yesterday that last week my oncologist resigned without notice. I know that she had been having some personal issues over the last few years following a divorce but I never thought she would leave. This woman was one in a million. As an oncologist she was a specialist in advanced breast cancer and traveled the world studying. She was on top of her game. As a person, she was so compassionate and beautiful in every way. She even met my oldest daughter for coffee just to talk as my daughter has an enormous fear of doctors and she wanted to show her how doctors are just regular people. Seriously, what kind of oncologist does this for her patients.

I am feeling a lot lost. The other oncologists at the cancer center are good but pale in comparison. This is heavy on my mind. I was supposed to have an appointment with her in June so I guess I will go and see what the other doctor is like but feel like I need to start searching for the best I can find.

Jen

ElaineTherese

Hi Jen!

Sorry to be intruding on a Stage IV page.... I recently received a letter from my insurance company in which the company said that my oncologist would no longer be considered in-network because she had resigned from Mercy Oncology. Long story, but what actually happened is that she is joining a new oncology group, and that group is applying to my insurance for a contract to be considered in-network. So, I may not lose her after all. You may want to do a little investigation into your oncologist's whereabouts.

I will say, though, that it is shocking that she would resign without notifying her patients! My OB/GYN is going back to his home state, and he notified us in February (office just closed this Friday). He sent us a form so that we could have our records transferred to our new doctors, once we had found them.

Although I have only been seeing my oncologist for three years, it would have been very hard for me to switch to a new one. She had been there for me during the worst period of my life, and she knows things about me that I just don't tell anyone. I'm very sorry that this is happening to you.

stagefree

Dear Jen,

I can feel how devastating news this is to you. Hope ypu find your perfect MO match asap.

Hugs

Ebr

blainejennifer

Oh no. I love my MO and would be set back if he were to disappear. She must have some major crisis in her life to do this.

Can you speed date in the practice to see if there is anyone who can - for now - take her place?

Sadiesservant

How awful. I would be devastated if my oncologist disappeared. He is one in a million and I trust him implicitly. I hope you are able to find another MO who you're comfortable with. Is there any chance this is temporary?

ShetlandPony

It must have been a personal or work crisis, because she sounds like someone who would have told you and helped you transition. If she moved to another cancer center, she may not be allowed to say so and "steal patients" so I would do as Elaine suggests and do a little detective work. Internet searches, medical association, insurance lists, other patients, etc. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, Jen.

JeninMichigan

I heard that she is going back to Israel to be with her dad for Ramadan and then she is going to Russia for a while. I sent her a text and told her I was heartbroken but she needs to do what is best with her and that I am forever grateful for what she has done for me. She sent me replied just saying she loves me and my daughters and to stay well. I think it may have been a complete professional and personal burn out situation. She was overextended in every possible way. I am NED and just on Herceptin every three weeks so at this point it is not a matter of urgency for me. I feel for her patients though not doing so well. Jen

Jacque1102

Hello Jen,

That news must have been shocking and devastating. Usually, when a physician leaves a practice their contract with the hospital requires them to give up to a three month notice. A letter is sent to patients with statement about keeping records confidential, turning over care, etc.. Unless, something personal has happened. It is becoming not uncommon for physicians to have feelings of burn-out or as I call compassion fatigue. Working in the medical field, I see this happen first hand; physicians leaving practice. Don't even get me going on the movement towards the RVU system of payment. Please take care of yourself and know that you are going to grieve this loss of your doctor.

Jackie

DivineMrsM

Jen, wow, it seems highly unusual for a doctor to up and leave without any notice like that. It sounds like it would help if you knew more of why she resigned so abruptly so you could process it better. I know we are all human, but one wonders why her colleagues couldn't have intervened and helped her prior to her complete burnout so she could have left in a way that was less stressful for her patients. Because she was such a great oncologist, I know her other patients are also, like you left bewildered, somewhat hurt and unsettled by the situation, and I'm sure the oncologist regrets that she had to do it this way.

Perhaps in time you will learn more of the reasons why she left, and you may even still get a letter from the medical facility that won't really say too much but just to make it official, or at least you should. I think you will.

I hope you have good luck finding another onc who does well by you. It seems the only thing certain is change, and we are always learning to roll with the changes, even tho its not always easy. My best to you.

Beatmon

One of my docs lowered her voice at one of my appointments and told me I might have to "look " to find her for my next 3 month appointment. It was time for a contract renewal and she didn't feel like her requests weregoing to be met. She said when I called that I wouldn't be given any information. I've been her patient quite a few years and she wanted to continue our relationship.

JFL

Jenn,

I have been through this with my MO as well as two primary care doctors. Although it sounds like your MO had additional issues going on with her personal life and is taking a break from medicine, per standard doctor non-compete agreements for doctors in groups or who work for a hospital, they are prohibited from contacting their patients and giving them advance notice, as it could be perceived as trying to steal/take the patients with them. (I am a lawyer and my DH is a doctor, so I am familiar with this from both sides!) It is always the hospital/group that contacts you afterward (if you get contacted at all). This is probably of no solace but please know she didn't decide not to contact you to give you a heads up based on her own prerogative. I would imagine if it were up to her, she would have let you know in advance, given your strong relationship.

Although i was very bonded/attached to my first MO (maybe to an unhealthy extent), I ended up being assigned to someone better after he left. The hospital staff all assumed I would follow my MO but I am in better hands now with my second MO. Not as charismatic and we don't have the same chemistry as the first one - he doesn't say much . . . but spends a lot of time thinking about my case/bouncing ideas off his colleagues at my hospital and at other leading hospitals around the country behind the scenes and he is miles ahead as far as breast cancer-specific expertise, thinks out of the box (as do I) and is very open-minded to my feedback/questions/suggestions (which are ample!).