Dr Karan Rajan, also known as Dr Raj, has shared his top tips for advocating for your own health when you feel your symptoms are being ignored by medical professionals
Brits are being encouraged to grill their doctors with three pointed questions should they feel their health worries are getting brushed aside. An NHS medic has put forward some straightforward advice to help ensure patients’ voices are properly acknowledged.
After a 2024 survey of nearly 2,000 people in the UK disclosed that two-fifths hadn’t fully discussed their health concerns, there’s been a call for individuals to be proactive. The findings showed more than half did manage to chat about “everything” or “most things” during their last GP appointment, but an alarming 40% only got around to “some things”, “hardly anything”, or “nothing at all”.
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TikTok sensation Dr Karan Rajan, known to his over five million followers simply as Dr Raj, insists it’s crucial for patients to stand up for themselves if they believe their symptoms are being ignored.
On social media, he imparted this essential tip: “If you feel that your doctor ignores your concerns and undermines your symptoms, here is how to advocate for your health.”
Dr Raj has urged the public to pose even the most uncomfortable queries, claiming: “Ask questions, even the awkward ones.”
He laid out that while doctors are primed for critical thinking, routine can lead to auto-pilot responses, encouraging questions as a means to ensure deeper contemplation of patient issues.
Dr Raj laid out three crucial questions to put to your GP.
- What else could this be?
- Are there any tests we haven’t done yet?
- Can you explain why you think this is normal for me?
In addition to posing these questions, he suggested four other strategies to ensure your health concerns are addressed appropriately.
Maintain a symptom log
Dr Raj recommended keeping a detailed account of all symptoms experienced to share with your GP. “Keep a comprehensive record of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, what alleviates or exacerbates them, and how they affect your daily life,” he advised.
“Pro tip – use precise language, for instance, instead of saying ‘I’m tired’, say ‘I feel as if I’ve been hit by a lorry at 2pm every afternoon and it’s causing me to miss work deadlines.”
Insist on referrals
If you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed, you should request a referral to a specialist. Dr Raj suggested: “If your doctor is puzzled or worse, dismissive, ask for a referral to a specialist.
“Specialists possess more in-depth knowledge in specific areas. For example, persistent muscle pain could be indicative of fibromyalgia.
“That severe menstrual cramp could be endometriosis. Pro tip – frame it as curiosity, not confrontation. For instance, ‘I would feel more at ease ruling out X. Can we investigate this with a specialist?'”.
Bring support
He also advised bringing a trusted friend or family member to your appointments if you feel your concerns aren’t being heard. “Having a reliable friend or family member present at your appointment can make a significant difference,” said Dr Raj.
“They can take notes as follow-up questions and back you up if you feel dismissed.”
Know your rights
Dr Raj also emphasised the importance of getting a second opinion or contacting patient advocacy groups when needed. He stated, “In most countries you’re entitled to a second opinion and access to your medical records, use these rights liberally.”
Furthermore, he offered an extra piece of advice: “Pro tip – if you’re dealing with a complex or chronic condition, consider consulting patient advocacy groups or online communities for advice.”