If you’ve had a rough exam, it’s important to communicate your concerns and consider finding a different doctor. A doctor’s bedside manner is crucial, and good communication is essential for effective medical care. While no doctor needs to be rough during an exam, it’s also important to prioritize finding a doctor who is knowledgeable and competent in their field. In my own experience dealing with serious health issues, I had to fire two doctors who didn’t meet my standards. One was my surgeon for my first breast cancer, who was simply unpleasant, but his replacement was excellent. The other was my oncologist for my most recent breast cancer, who was very intelligent but didn’t communicate well and had poor bedside manner. I eventually decided that his smarts weren’t enough for me and found a replacement who was a better fit. It’s important to take control of your healthcare and come prepared to appointments with questions to ensure that you get the information and care you need.