What is the best way to find a recommended urology specialist?

[sunsocks]

Mr sunsocks is seeing a urologist who the local hospital consultants don't consider very good. How do we go about finding a really good urologist - South East region. Pref NHS but we would also consider going private as it is vital we get the best advice.
Thanks to anyone who can advise.

[MrXLA]

ALL 'private' consultants in any speciality either currently work (at least part time) in the NHS or used to.
Therefore technically there is no such thing as a 'private consultant' only a private service.
Firstly I'd like to say that I'm very shocked that consultants have voiced their concerns about a colleague to you in such an unprofessional manner. If they had genuine concerns for patient safety and wellbeing they would typically raise their concerns with relavent people in the trust and in severe cases of suspected serious professional misconduct directly to the GMC.
If they believe an individual is practising inappropriately and they have not taking necessary steps to protect patients then you would have to question their ethics.
Also please remember doctors are humans and of course no matter who they are and 'how good' ALL make mistakes from time to time, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get round that when dealing with humans.
If you ask enough people about any healthcare professional you will find someone to say they are exceptinaly good and those that would say the exact opposite that is because medicine is not an exact science.

[MrXLA]

If you are looking for a consultant urologist to give the 'best advice' then why not look for one, who has perhaps:
- achieved the highest academic standards both at school and further education and managed to balance those achievements with an extensive array of extracurricular hobbies, activities and abilities (a usual pre-requisite for 'consideration' for entry to medical school, being the most intelligent person in you school simply isn't enough)
- Then gone on to train as an undergraduate for 5-6 years
- followed by a minimum of 2 years foundation training (after graduation)
- followed by a minimum of 5 years speciality training (during which exams are taking with deliberately ludicrous pass marks to 'ensure a HIGH FAILURE rate)
- followed by an exit exam in CCST
- followed by extreme competition to get a consultant post

NB - ALL of the above apply to ANY consultant (some also do additional degrees or PHDs during their speciality training).

[MrXLA]

Clearly doctors are humans and unfortuantely the media seems to be very keen on publishing any negative material associated with the provision of healthcare in this country.
You often hear about how people have died in hospital (which isn't that surprising if you really think about it!!) but the media rarely mention how many lives were saved in the same hospital on that particular day, this sadly has lead to a lack of faith in the medical profession and as such people have become more synical.
I appreciate that you want the best possible care but in all honesty public perception of 'good quality care' and the actual ability of the doctor in question are entirely different things.
Sadly there are a minority of doctors who abuse their position and/or practice inappropriately but they are a minority.

[Kleiber]

Have a look at the website "Dr Foster". Just google it - it's interesting & informative. Good luck, K.