Alert: Be careful using foreign doctors

[angeltrue]

I thought I should alert others that I've gone to foreign doctors and had some bad experiences. I talked with others who experienced the same thing. One foreign doctor I went to had such a filthy office and she was so incompetent it alarmed me. I wish I had a hepatitis shot before going there. Then someone I know was damaged by a foreign doctor. Then my doctor left the state and a foreign doctor took his place and he prescribed me medication for a man and he lied about it when I asked him why he prescribed it. He said he didn't prescribe it. I said "your name is on the bottle." He still lied. Another foreign doctor we used had his entire family working for him. I've been in enough medical facilities that I knew they did not have medical training or degrees.

I discussed this with someone else who was alarmed and said you don't know what kind of training they receive in other countries, and he didn't think it was up to the level of American-trained doctors.

So I did some research and found foreign doctors sometimes fake their degrees. Please exercise caution. Once you receive substandard or dangerous medical care the results can be lifelong. We're using only American doctors from now on and carefully screening them prior to using them.

The Importance of Verifying Foreign Medical Credentials

 

[faroukfarouk]

Remember that doctors themselves need to have their accreditation confirmed in the jurisdiction where they practise. So the issue is really not foreign doctors, period; but the way the regulatory process within the jurisdiction is working.

 

[Elliewaves]

Did you report them to the state dept of health or the state medical board?

 

[tampasteve]

I discussed this with someone else who was alarmed and said you don't know what kind of training they receive in other countries, and he didn't think it was up to the level of American-trained doctors.

I disagree, I have been to many doctors because of a condition I have, and I have found the "foreign doctors" to be, by and large, better educated. Many have to pass their countries tests and education and then repeat it here in order to be certified. Often they have a different point of view of "American trained doctors" that is helpful when diagnosing and offering potential treatments. America has great doctors, but other countries have doctors that are just as good or better.

Also, I do not see why this is in the "news and Current Events" forum, it seems better suited to the "Kitchen Sink" or "Physical Health" as it is really not news or a current event....

 

[faroukfarouk]

I disagree, I have been to many doctors because of a condition I have, and I have found the "foreign doctors" to be, by and large, better educated. Many have to pass their countries tests and education and then repeat it here in order to be certified. Often they have a different point of view of "American trained doctors" that is helpful when diagnosing and offering potential treatments. America has great doctors, but other countries have doctors that are just as good or better.

Also, I do not see why this is in the "news and Current Events" forum, it seems better suited to the "Kitchen Sink" or "Physical Health" as it is really not news or a current event....

Rather than also similarly for instance someone saying: "I won't go to an Hispanic tattoo artist" etc., it's better and quite within one's rights to study the regulatory certificates and inspection sign offs, right?

 

[angeltrue]

Remember that doctors themselves need to have their accreditation confirmed in the jurisdiction where they practise. So the issue is really not foreign doctors, period; but the way the regulatory process within the jurisdiction is working.

Apparently there is inadequate oversight.

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

 

[angeltrue]

Did you report them to the state dept of health or the state medical board?

Good question. No - I should do that. But apparently the problem is widespread.

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

 

[faroukfarouk]

Apparently there is inadequate oversight.

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

There will always be issues; and so, if you see one, it's good with a lot of specificity pass a submission to the relevant regulatory authority which will have its processes for handling it.

 

[whatbogsends]

Instead of talking about "foreign" doctors, it might make more sense to talk about specific countries which have accreditation issues.

 

[FreeinChrist]

MOD HAT

This thread was moved from News & Current Events which requires a link to a credible news site, to the Kitchen Sink.

 

[Elliewaves]

There are many American born doctors that also have dirty offices and fake medical degrees- if you suspect that of any doctor, then you should report it- it's a matter of public health and safety. Many foreign doctors I've seen are quite knowledgeable with clean facilities and I trust them. And many are American citizens now as well even if they were born elsewhere or attended school elsewhere.

 

[angeltrue]

I disagree, I have been to many doctors because of a condition I have, and I have found the "foreign doctors" to be, by and large, better educated. Many have to pass their countries tests and education and then repeat it here in order to be certified. Often they have a different point of view of "American trained doctors" that is helpful when diagnosing and offering potential treatments. America has great doctors, but other countries have doctors that are just as good or better.

Also, I do not see why this is in the "news and Current Events" forum, it seems better suited to the "Kitchen Sink" or "Physical Health" as it is really not news or a current event....

I am glad your experience was positive - others have not been as fortunate. A man in Florida was operated on by a "doctor" with a fake degree and was permanently brain damaged. I check doctors out before going to them but there is no way to adequately check on someones history from another country or know if they've received substandard medical training. I've had several bad experiences and I know someone else who did. That can't be a coincidence. I think we have an erroneous sense that we're more protected than we are in this country.

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

 

[angeltrue]

MOD HAT

This thread was moved from News & Current Events which requires a link to a credible news site, to the Kitchen Sink.

OK

 

[angeltrue]

There are many American born doctors that also have dirty offices and fake medical degrees- if you suspect that of any doctor, then you should report it- it's a matter of public health and safety. Many foreign doctors I've seen are quite knowledgeable with clean facilities and I trust them. And many are American citizens now as well even if they were born elsewhere or attended school elsewhere.

The doctor I saw that prescribed me the wrong medication had a clean office. It's just something everyone should be aware of. One medical mistake can ruin your life. Read about this Florida man:

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

 

[Elliewaves]

I've heard of American born doctors prescribing wrong meds as well, and misdiagnosing, and damaging patients. You should always be aware when you go to the doctors, stay on top of what is going on with your meds, speak up if you feel something is wrong, and report any doctor that you feel is lax in their methods and judgement that could lead to potential health and safety problems for not just yourself, but others. If I go to a doctor that I feel is lacking in someway, I'd either switch doctors or switch and then report if it is serious enough. It has nothing to do with them being simply foreign. A foreign doctor who is on the level could very well save your life as well. An American born doctor who is negligent could very well damage your health or kill you. Use common sense when you go to a doctor. No one should be wringing their hands and clutching their pearls , terrified that immigrant doctors are dirty and fake and are only here for your money. You shouldn't be trying to demonize doctors that are "foreign". It is very dishonest and skeevy.

 

[angeltrue]

I've heard of American born doctors prescribing wrong meds as well, and misdiagnosing, and damaging patients. You should always be aware when you go to the doctors, stay on top of what is going on with your meds, speak up if you feel something is wrong, and report any doctor that you feel is lax in their methods and judgement that could lead to potential health and safety problems for not just yourself, but others. If I go to a doctor that I feel is lacking in someway, I'd either switch doctors or switch and then report if it is serious enough. It has nothing to do with them being simply foreign. A foreign doctor who is on the level could very well save your life as well. An American born doctor who is negligent could very well damage your health or kill you.

Yes, I have too. Some are arrogant. I still hold a deep concern over possible substandard overseas training. There is a foreign couple that opened an office nearby I had thought of using, then read the reviews and I stayed away. Someone gave a review saying they came here to get rich and didn't care about patients. The other issue that I've discussed with others is that you can't understand some of them. That issue is addressed by Kevin MD. Excerpt:

The US, by far, is the most lenient country in the world in allowing foreign doctors to practice in America. Practicing medicine from a foreign degree is a privilege the US has extended, not a right nor a guarantee. In most other countries, if you have a foreign degree, tough luck; stand in line for the next 5-15 years while you wait for a residency spot to open up and on top of that, you might never leave training because of your foreign degree. At least the US has a straightforward (albeit competitive) system to allow you to practice independently.

And let's not mince words here. Foreign doctors come to America because they want that big pay day that American medicine can provide. They have no true interest in helping the underserved, the rural areas, the poor. They want to cash in with their (supposed) expertise. That's fine; that's part of the American dream and American culture to be rewarded financially for one's talents. However, they have to play by the same rules as everyone else.

Just like I can't go to Belgium and practice medicine over there with no restrictions, even though I may have completed training over here in America, so do foreign trained physicians wanting to practice in America have to complete our guidelines and requirements. Remember, the US is the most lenient country in the developed nations that allow practicing independent medicine from a foreign degree. Let's not dilute the profession of medicine any further by allowing non-accredited, oversight-free physicians from overseas practice medicine by virtue of their ability to practice in their home countries. As I said, I can't go to Belgium tomorrow and start practicing medicine without completing their (stricter) requirements; why should the USA be any different?

The US, by far, is the most lenient country in the world in allowing foreign doctors to practice in America. Practicing medicine from a foreign degree is a privilege the US has extended, not a right nor a guarantee. In most other countries, if you have a foreign degree, tough luck; stand in line for the next 5-15 years while you wait for a residency spot to open up and on top of that, you might never leave training because of your foreign degree. At least the US has a straightforward (albeit competitive) system to allow you to practice independently.

And let's not mince words here. Foreign doctors come to America because they want that big pay day that American medicine can provide. They have no true interest in helping the underserved, the rural areas, the poor. They want to cash in with their (supposed) expertise. That's fine; that's part of the American dream and American culture to be rewarded financially for one's talents. However, they have to play by the same rules as everyone else.

Just like I can't go to Belgium and practice medicine over there with no restrictions, even though I may have completed training over here in America, so do foreign trained physicians wanting to practice in America have to complete our guidelines and requirements. Remember, the US is the most lenient country in the developed nations that allow practicing independent medicine from a foreign degree. Let's not dilute the profession of medicine any further by allowing non-accredited, oversight-free physicians from overseas practice medicine by virtue of their ability to practice in their home countries. As I said, I can't go to Belgium tomorrow and start practicing medicine without completing their (stricter) requirements; why should the USA be any different?

Foreign medical graduates are not the primary care solution

 

[angeltrue]

A phony foreign doctor with a fake medical degree performed surgery in Maryland.

Maryland Hospital Sued By Patients Of Phony OB-GYN - Law360

 

[tampasteve]

I am glad your experience was positive - others have not been as fortunate. A man in Florida was operated on by a "doctor" with a fake degree and was permanently brain damaged. I check doctors out before going to them but there is no way to adequately check on someones history from another country or know if they've received substandard medical training. I've had several bad experiences and I know someone else who did. That can't be a coincidence. I think we have an erroneous sense that we're more protected than we are in this country.

Pepper: As many as 10,000 have fake medical degrees

That article is from 1984....I would like to see some more current statistics on this problem. That said, of course there are people that are pretending to be doctors, that is why we need to make sure ours is accredited and approved, which is pretty easy. You are right though, we are best to check before hand.

someones history from another country or know if they've received substandard medical training

Actually in order to practice medicine in the USA you need a license, and many (most?) are also Board Certified. Of course if you are operating outside the license and illegally that is a different matter. These licenses and certifications make sure the person in question has the correct training. One can easily search online if the physician in question has board certification and state certification, not matter what country they may have had their training in. Also, if you have health insurance you are almost guaranteed that the person is licensed, otherwise they would not be covered by insurance. Here are the links:
Board Certification
Florida Health

Remember, the US is the most lenient country in the developed nations that allow practicing independent medicine from a foreign degree.

Can you provide any citations that show this is true?

 

[tampasteve]

A phony foreign doctor with a fake medical degree performed surgery in Maryland.

Maryland Hospital Sued By Patients Of Phony OB-GYN - Law360

What is odd about this case is that the Dr. was using a fake name, but actually did have the qualifications, apparently. So I guess that is of some comfort...
"“However, it remains a fact that Dr. Akoda was a trained, licensed, and qualified obstetrician and gynecologist during the entire period he had privileges to practice at our facility.”"
He delivered their babies and examined their bodies. Now patients are suing after learning he used a fake name and stolen Social Security numbers for credentials.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

I thought I should alert others that I've gone to foreign doctors and had some bad experiences. I talked with others who experienced the same thing. One foreign doctor I went to had such a filthy office and she was so incompetent it alarmed me. I wish I had a hepatitis shot before going there. Then someone I know was damaged by a foreign doctor. Then my doctor left the state and a foreign doctor took his place and he prescribed me medication for a man and he lied about it when I asked him why he prescribed it. He said he didn't prescribe it. I said "your name is on the bottle." He still lied. Another foreign doctor we used had his entire family working for him. I've been in enough medical facilities that I knew they did not have medical training or degrees.

I discussed this with someone else who was alarmed and said you don't know what kind of training they receive in other countries, and he didn't think it was up to the level of American-trained doctors.

So I did some research and found foreign doctors sometimes fake their degrees. Please exercise caution. Once you receive substandard or dangerous medical care the results can be lifelong. We're using only American doctors from now on and carefully screening them prior to using them.

The Importance of Verifying Foreign Medical Credentials

This same caution ought to be exercised with any doctor's visit anywhere.
Very "respected" dentists in the usa, licensed, practicing for years, were in the last ten or fifteen years reported (and shut down) nationwide for passing on aids and other problems because of dirty equipment that looks clean as it should, and their "certificates" may or may not have been real.

Verify everything, all the time - for medical visits, politics, religion, messages, etc.....
This way, local, domestic or foreign, there's a lot more safety and awareness (though no guarantee) of where you're going, about who you're seeing, what they are doing, and so on....

Americans (USA citizens) for a century or more have been using foreign dentists and doctors with great results (when they sought out the RIGHT ONES). Many tens of thousands of good reports,
and often for only 10% of the costs in the states for what was (in the states) sometimes worse care.... So both reasons - verify costs, and effectiveness/ success rates, are good to do.