Adoption: Deaf Parent Ron's ASL Story

Ron discusses dealing with a medical issue related to his son and some unwanted medical advice from the doctor.
Transcript: Hi and good afternoon, I’m Ron Symansky, a father of three adopted children through international adoptions. I’d like to share one of my experiences related to the medical field. My oldest son had a large purple/blue/green spot on the right side of his abdomen that looked like someone had slapped or hit him there, but he was actually born with it.
My wife and I were concerned that if someone at the Deaf school saw it, they might report it as abuse to social services. We decided to take our son, who was 3-years old at that time, to see a dermatologist at Children’s Hospital. We met with the doctor, with an interpreter. The doctor examined our son and identified the spot that looked like a bruise as a Mongolian spot, which is similar to a birthmark, which is often a smaller brown, tan or pink spot. When we asked how it could be treated, the doctor explained that it might be outgrown or it might remain permanently. We were satisfied with the explanation and made sure that the doctor documented the information in the records.
Then, out of nowhere, the doctor told us that our son should get a cochlear implant. Remember, he was a dermatologist, specializing in the treatment of skin, nails, and hair issues. We were a bit taken aback and turned off that he was discussing ear/hearing issues, which was out of his area of expertise. He even had the nerve to tell me that I should get a CI. I looked at the interpreter and said that the doctor is a skin doctor, but the interpreter looked uncomfortable being in the middle of this discussion.
Looking back, I realize I should have reported this to the hospital, because the doctor was violating the Hippocrates Oath, which mandates that he practice within his area of specialization, which was dermatology. I was insulted that he decided he needed to fix me, an educated college professor with a master’s degree. He had some nerve to do that. I almost wish I had recommended that he get plastic surgery or Botox to fix his ugly face, but I refrained from saying anything.
I want to let you know that doctors are not perfect. They are not God. If you don’t agree with a doctor’s opinion, get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Do your research online to make sure you agree with the doctor’s decision, whether it’s related to dermatology, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry or anything else. Make sure you pick the right doctor. None of them are perfect. I’m sharing this story so you can learn from my experience. Video description: Ron is sitting and signing his story.
______________________
Est. 2001. Deaf Counseling Center provides both #teletherapy (videophone, web-based, online, virtual, e-therapy, telemental health) and in-office #therapy to #Deaf clients on a national basis. 💻 Board-certified Telemental Health (BC-TMH). HIPAA Compliant. 100% Private. Inbox us for more information.
______________________
.
.
.
.
.
.
@deafcounseling #deafcounseling #deafcounselingcenter
.
.
.
.
#deafmentalhealth #deaftherapist #deaftherapy #counseling #counselor #therapist #deafworld #deafcommunity #deafculture #signlanguage #asl #deafpeople #deafawareness #moderntherapists #deafeducation #nationaldeafcounseling #nationaldeaftherapy #deafatwork #gallaudetuniversity #deafecosystem #marylanddeafecosystem #deafsuccess #deafsupport

[@tiggerlady2352]

That Doctor is way off the board about hearing implants. I’m glad that you and your wife found it out what of skin he has from the Dr.

[@ASLTeachingResources]

Thanks for sharing. Perhaps the doctor needs more ethics training or learn a few things from interpreter standards of not giving advice. The doctor was way out of line. Sorry you had to experience that.

[@williambrown7908]

I would stand up and be blunt to that Dr by say what wrong with deaf people does Dr have problems or issues with deaf people or possibly phobia with deaf community just say cuz I dislike the idea Dr try to say something to fix us like are robot by get CI surgery plus file lawsuit