“Clarity. Compassion. Choice.”….and I’ll add…Confidence. These are the qualities this program gives and inspires in their patients. The organization, The Second Opinion operated through the Regional Cancer Foundation in San Francisco, offers any California adult who has been diagnosed with cancer access to a second opinion on both diagnosis and treatment plans and options. It is the only organization that provides this service, and it provides it free of charge. No doctor referrals are needed; a patient or a family member just needs to make a phone call.
Run on the generosity of 60 volunteer physicians from a variety of specialties, the second opinion involves an in-person review panel with 4-6 physicians, the patient, and her/his family members or friends. This process requires the patient’s participation, to be in the loop versus the norm where patients are often out of the loop. Doctors review the medical records ahead of time and then together with the patient and their family discuss their case and ask and answer questions. Sometimes the panel agrees with a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan the way it is; many times they improve the treatment plan, making it more specific to the patient’s individual needs and providing additional tools for him/her to manage their disease. In this way, this second opinion does not displace any attending physician but rather complements her/him in the management of the patient’s case.
In most situations, patients walk away from the process with confidence and clarity – confidence in their doctor, their treatment plan and team, and how to manage their cancer. Patients are also given an audio recording of the session and a written summary is mailed to them and their physicians. In addition, just talking with The Second Opinion’s non-medical staff is beneficial, as they provide a space for sympathetic listening and for patients to talk about non-medical issues. Staff can refer patients to other resources such as non-medical counseling or oncological support groups as well.
Started in 1974 by a surgeon, Dr. William Lister Rogers, this service relies on the volunteer support of physicians. And more volunteer physicians are needed - both to sit on patient panels and to serve as panel facilitators. The value of this service is huge and the time commitment is only about 2.5 hours every six weeks. If you are a physician, please consider helping in this way. If you know of one who may be interested in volunteering, please forward on this information.
Physicians are also encouraged to refer their cancer patients to this organization. Patients, family members and friends can contact The Second Opinion by phone (415-775-9956), email (mail (at) thesecondopinion.org), or on their website at www.thesecondopinion.org.
All panels are held at their offices located at: 1200 Gough Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94109. Nearby parking and a buffet lunch are also provided. For more information, visit www.thesecondopinion.org.
