As with anything to do with life, who you deal is vital to a good outcome but never limit yourself to only one source.
Get a second (or third or forth) opinion
If you suffer from a medical condition, you should make it a priority to seek help from as broad a resource as you possibly can… never limit your knowledge to only what one doctor tells you.
Before you go to a doctors office, read up and find out more about your symptoms through various online and offline resources. Unless it’s an emergency, you usually have a few days between the time you set-up an appointment and the time you actually meet with your local family physician. Take this time to become your own specialist, try to find medical data to either support or disprove what you may have. There is a wealth of medical information available… use it!
I think it’s best to always let the doctor diagnose you before you open your mouth regarding your self-diagnosis… remember that they are the experts here, not you. Your role is to answer any of their questions then once they are sure of what they think you have, that is when you ask them “I thought I had xyz…. can you please tell me why it isn’t xyz” then sit there and wait for an answer. I think most physicians appreciate somebody who takes their own health seriously. If they have trouble explaining to you in your mother tongue why it isn’t what you thought it was, maybe it’s a hint to ask - “do you mind referring me to a specialist? I just want to put my mind at ease”. Most professional doctors will be more then happy to have their diagnosis confirmed or have further tests conclusively resolve your issue.
Beware of internet or print resources
I know, I just told you to go out to get some information about your condition, but be very aware that there is A LOT of bogus, heavily biased or just plain dangerous information out there. We here at myfoodcount.com have some fantastic resources built just for you to read up more about whatever you may have… use them.
Specialists are your friend
Doctors are highly educated professionals but they cannot be expect to know everything about anything to do with health, there is simply TOO MUCH – there is where a specialist may help you shed light on your issues. If you have cancer, you want to be dealing with an Oncologist, if you have an issue with your kid, a Pediatrician is your best bet. Here is a list that may be useful to you when speaking with your doctor (it also makes you feel smarter at your next visit). 
Anesthesiologist: nesthesia, either general or spinal block for surgeries and some forms of pain control
Cardiologist: heart disorders
Dermatologist: skin disorders
Endocrinologist: hormonal and metabolic disorders, including diabetes
Gastroenterologist: digestive system disorders
General Surgeon: common surgeries involving any part of the body
Gynecologist / Obstetritian: pregnancy (normal or problematic) and women’s reproductive tract disorders
Immunologist: disorders of the immune system and allergies
Infectious Disease Specialist: infections affecting the tissues of any body system
Nephrologist: kidney disorders
Neurologist: nervous system disorders
Oncologist: cancer and some other diseases that resist treatment
Ophthalmologist: eye disorders and surgery
Orthopedic Surgeon: bone and connective tissue disorders
Otorhinolaryngologist: ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders
Physical and rehabilitative medicine specialist: coordinate return to optimal functioning in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders (such as low back injury, spinal cord injuries, and stroke)
Psychiatrist: emotional or mental disorders
Pulmonary (lung) specialist: respiratory tract disorders
Radiologist: X-rays and related procedures (such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI)
Urologist: disorders of the male reproductive and urinary tracts and the female urinary tract
Things to remember
When you visit your physician, be sure to always stay relaxed, an examination room is never a fun place to be in but remaining calm will help tremendously when you
All doctors took an oath when they received their degrees and certificates to help you resolve your medical condition at the best of their knowledge, they are not there to be your friend or your enemy but a neutral party. If they say something that you don’t like, seek another opinion but do not take it out on them, they are simply reading what your body is telling them. Nothing more and nothing less.
Doctors are human as much as the rest of us, they can make mistakes as well as moments of genius, this is why I always think it’s a good idea to know as much as you can about your diagnosis.
The Bottom Line
There is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer.
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