When IVF doctors err

Being human, it is inevitable that IVF doctors also make mistakes. I made a mistake too, not long back. While consulting a new patient at Malpani Clinic recently, I accidentally put down her age as 41 instead of 31. The problem was that owing to my miscalculation, I had put her in a category beyond the crucial age of 35. Since, age is a major determinant for infertility treatment, I advised her to consider IVF treatment.

At the end of the consultation. I have the habit of making reviews of my own advice and records with my patients to ensure that they have completely understood what I have to say. With this patient, I started off by saying, “Given the fact that you are 41, I think you need IVF”. I was interrupted by her with the embarrassing revelation that her age was only 31 and not 41! I was highly mortified with this very basic mistake of mine , and I quickly apologized. I made corrections and consulted her afresh after reviewing my advice. Needless to say, the patient was visibly upset with this episode and very understandably so. For someone who wasn’t that weak in making simple mathematical calculations, it was a shameful mistake. The patient might very well have felt that an error in doing something as simple as calculating her age could reflect my incompetence as a doctor.  She might even speculate as to what other mistakes I might make in the future. Chances are, she might decide against coming to me for treatment.

Then again, when I encounter mistakes made by other professionals, I am open towards viewing things from a more lenient perspective. I am willing to be forgiving of them because I have made y own share of errors. 

Do you think your IVF doctor has erred in your treatment ? Please send me your medical details by filling in the form at www.drmalpani.com/malpaniform.htm so that I can guide you better !