Chapter 12: Why We Should Embrace Uncertainty in Medicine

Uncertainty is NOT Dismissal

When I have a doctor’s appointment, I want the RIGHT answer for what is causing my symptoms. Usually that’s easy for a doctor to determine quickly, but not always. The odds of being misdiagnosed increase when we have complex symptoms and less-than-obvious causes.

That’s why my favorite doctors are the ones who share their doubts when it’s called for. I’m seeking accuracy, not speed. Of course, I expect my doctors to first rule out any life-threatening conditions quickly and then we can be more leisurely in exploring the diagnosis.

Here’s an example: If half of your child’s class is out with a stomach bug and your child is achy with nausea, vomiting, and fever, you might expect your doctor to recommend fluids and bed rest. Easy peasy. You don’t expect her to tell you she’s unsure what is causing your kid’s symptoms.

But what if your child has more symptoms, like constipation? Or if your pediatrician also finds a mass in the abdomen? You wouldn’t want her to ignore serious signs like these…