Receiving a diagnosis can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious and uncertain about the path ahead. When facing complex health challenges, many individuals consider seeking diagnosis and care at renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic. But what does going to Mayo Clinic for a diagnosis really entail?
At Mayo Clinic, the approach to patient care is deeply rooted in understanding the individual. “As you come to see me as a patient, we don’t work on a formula. We work on a patient,” explains Dr. Eric Moore, Division Chair and Surgeon at Mayo Clinic. “We want to know you. We want to know who you are. We want to know what you do day to day. We want to know what’s important to you.” This patient-centered philosophy is central to the diagnostic journey at Mayo Clinic. Doctors prioritize getting to know you as a person, not just a case, to ensure the most accurate and effective diagnosis tailored to your specific circumstances.
One of the key advantages of seeking a diagnosis at Mayo Clinic is its integrated, multidisciplinary environment. Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, a Surgical Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, highlights this, stating, “You have all of your providers in a truly integrated, multidisciplinary environment, under one roof, in one medical record. And what that means is that the communication is wide open between those providers.” This seamless communication and collaboration between specialists from different fields ensures that your case is reviewed from multiple perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. This synergy simplifies the often complex process of diagnosis and treatment planning, offering patients a cohesive and streamlined experience.
Making decisions about treatment options can be daunting, especially when facing a new diagnosis. Mayo Clinic recognizes this challenge and emphasizes shared decision-making. Dr. Sameer Keole, a Radiation Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, assures patients, “It’s always challenging when patients have to decide what type of treatment is best for them. And that’s why at Mayo Clinic, they don’t have to make that decision alone.” You are not expected to navigate this journey in isolation. Mayo Clinic’s team of experts works alongside you, providing the information and support needed to make informed choices about your care.
Furthermore, Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of medical advancements. Dr. Judy Boughey, a Surgical Oncologist, emphasizes the high caliber of her colleagues and Mayo Clinic’s commitment to innovation: “All of my colleagues are top notch. When you look at what are the latest advances in research, what are the latest drugs that are coming on the market, what are the latest techniques being used in surgery and radiation, many of those pivotal trials have been run by colleagues across the Mayo Clinic campuses.” Choosing Mayo Clinic means accessing expertise that is shaping the future of medicine and benefiting from the latest diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.
Dr. Matthew Goetz, a Medical Oncologist, further elaborates on Mayo Clinic’s dedication to research and its direct impact on patient care: “We have clinical trials that are emanating out of our own science. Work that is ongoing in our laboratories to actually discover new things about cancer that then leads to a new drug or a new drug combination that Mayo Clinic investigators are taking forward for Mayo Clinic only patients.” This commitment to translating scientific discovery into clinical practice means patients at Mayo Clinic have access to cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic methods, often years before they become widely available.
Ultimately, choosing where to seek a diagnosis is a personal and significant decision. Dr. Chee-Chee Stucky, a Surgical Oncologist, offers valuable advice for those considering their options: “If I were to tell somebody what to look for when they’re looking for a care center, I would say you need to find a place where you truly believe that the physicians who are taking care of you have your best interests at heart. They’re the best at treating the disease that you have, and they have a passion for treating it.” Going to Mayo Clinic for a diagnosis means entrusting your care to a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals who are deeply committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing the best possible diagnostic journey and care experience.
