Kevin Bethke, MD

Cancer! How do you choose a doctor? Like a movie by how many stars they have? My experience with Dr. Bethke was not what I expected from a professional. Minutes before I was about to go to surgery Dr. Bethke walked in with two excited, nervous looking interns. After the greetings I asked Dr. Bethke one question, would he be performing the surgery? He had previously told me he would, but I was nervous and wanted some reassurance from my doctor. He then said «This is a teaching hospital and if you don’t like the way we do things at Northwestern you can go find another doctor at a smaller hospital. I don’t feel comfortable with that question and i am thinking about canceling this surgery right now.» The feeling I had and the looks that were on my children’s faces, as well as the staff I never want to experience again. I had to decide whether to deal with his arrogance or deal with the cancer. I did not know how far the cancer had progressed. This was something new and frightening to me. I ignored that screaming voice inside of me and proceeded with the surgery. Seconds before the anesthesia took effect he leaned over me to write something on my chest and said «I am anal with everything I do» After the surgery he assured me he had done the surgery and then told me there was an area he had missed and I would have to repeat the surgery. Go through being treated like that again and pay for it twice? No Way! This time I decided not to ignore that screaming voice inside of me and take Dr. Bethke’s advice and I found an awesome, compassionate doctor at a small hospital in Evergreen Park. I am doing wonderful. My lesson… It is never to late to get up and walk out and find another doctor/​hospital. Mega hospitals do not equate better doctors and service. Most important, THE MIND AND BODY HEAL AS ONE! You always have a choice. Be strong!