HOW PHYSICIANS CAN VOLUNTEER
Thesecondopinion's volunteer physicians come from six Bay Area counties. While some are able to participate as often as once a month, others attend a few times a year or only when a particular expertise is needed.
Requests for our service are increasing and we encourage additional physicians to join us—specifically pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons with oncology sub-specialties.
Panel sessions are currently held on Wednesdays or Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Lunch is provided. Three panels are held each month, and three patients are seen at each session, with four to seven physicians taking part. Three of our medical oncologists take turns serving as Panel Chairs.
Case materials are prepared by panel chairs so panelists can review them well in advance of each session. On the panel day, the records, radiology and pathology are jointly reviewed by the panel physicians, then discussed with the patients and family members and recommendations are made. Patients are invited to tape their sessions. A consultation letter prepared by the panel chair is subsequently sent to each patient as well as to the treating physicians.
This is a valuable and rewarding experience for doctors and patients alike. Those we serve greatly appreciate the knowledge, wisdom, and hope that we share. Whether we confirm what their own physicians have recommended, offer a different opinion, or provide additional suggestions relating to diagnosis or treatment, our patients are grateful for the information we provide. And, our format has the added value of providing physicians from diverse practices an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with each other.
To volunteer on a second opinion panel you must have an active California license and be board-certified in your specialty. We can provide medical liability insurance. For more information about our requirements and how you can get involved, please contact the Medical Director at (415)775-9956 or mail@thesecondopinion.org.