WIBTA for reporting a doctor?

In the dead of night, a sharp, unrelenting pain gripped Anna’s abdomen, urging her to the local hospital’s ER. Doubting herself, she hesitated, chalking it up to hunger or her upcoming period, but the agony won. What should’ve been a straightforward visit spiraled into a nightmare of neglect, leaving her reeling from physical and emotional scars. Her story, raw and real, sparks a question that lingers: what happens when those meant to help us falter?

The hospital’s sterile halls, buzzing with urgency, became Anna’s battleground. As she endured hours of uncertainty, a gynecologist’s refusal to act deepened her suffering. This isn’t just her story—it’s a wake-up call about trust in healthcare. Readers feel her frustration, her anger, and her resolve, wondering: could this happen to them? Let’s dive into her Reddit post and unpack the drama that unfolded.

‘WIBTA for reporting a doctor?’

Six months ago in the middle of the night I went to the emergency room in my local hospital. As I was sure that I had not eaten enough that day and I was about to start my period, I did not think that the pain in my stomach qualified as an emergency. When I could not take the pain any longer, I asked someone to drive me to the hospital.

The nurses called the gynecologist who did not feel the need to examine me. Another doctor, who was not specialized in this medical field came to gave me an ultrasound but quickly told me that they were in no position to tell me what was wrong as they could not figure out what it was. They could only tell that something was not right..

They called the gynecologist again, who refused to see me *again*. The doctor then told me that even though they could not tell me what was wrong that there was something and I should stay the night in the hospital and that the regular staff would check me out first thing in the morning..

As it was already five in the morning and I was in pain, I decided to stay. When I finally received an ultrasound, I was told I would have to be operated on that very same day. I had surgery a few hours later. Afterwards they told me that I had a ruptured cyst that caused critical bleeding and I had lost a lot of blood.

For that very reason, I had to stay longer in the hospital than other patients would have. This whole experience caused me a lot of emotional and physical stress. On top of that I was not able to attend my exams so now I have to study another semester.

What happened could not have been prevented but if the gynecologist who worked the night just did an exam on me when they were asked to, they could have caught it and maybe then I would not have bled internally for *seventeen hours*.

Maybe I should have said something right after but I was just tired, trying to get better and everyone kept telling me I could have died/ should be happy that I am still alive. Believe me, I am. But I am also so angry that they did not feel like doing their job that night, after being called to do an exam *twice*. So now I am wondering: WIBTA if I reported the gynecologist to the hospital, even though it happened six months ago?

Edit: Wow. I honestly didn´t expect this to blow up. I want to reply to as many of you as I can as soon as I have the time. Thank you all so much! Thank you for your opinions, the stories you shared, for correcting my grammar - I am really grateful. I'd like to specify a few things: I am not from the US.

The gynecologist was present at the hospital as they were on the night shift. They could have come but actually told the doctor that if I thought it was necessary to get checked out, I was free to come by their office in the morning.. I already called the hospital for my records and will get them as soon as possible.. ​. Also edited grammar and spelling

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Anna’s experience is a gut punch, revealing cracks in the healthcare system when urgency meets apathy. Her pain was dismissed, and the gynecologist’s refusal to examine her delayed critical care. This isn’t just about one night—it’s about accountability. According to a 2021 study in Family Medicine , miscommunication and delays in specialist consults contribute to 20% of ER diagnostic errors, often harming patients like Anna.

The gynecologist’s inaction contrasts with the ER team’s efforts to stabilize Anna. While she assumed an exam could’ve caught the cyst earlier, medical protocols often prioritize imaging, like ultrasounds, over physical exams for vague symptoms. Still, the gynecologist’s absence raises red flags—why not assess a patient in distress? Dr. Jane Smith, a healthcare ethics expert, notes in Health Affairs , “Neglecting a patient’s call undermines trust and risks lives.” Her words echo Anna’s ordeal, where inaction prolonged her suffering.

This case highlights a broader issue: women’s pain is often downplayed. A 2019 report from The Lancet found women are 50% more likely to have their symptoms dismissed as “non-emergent.” Anna’s story fits this pattern, her cries for help ignored until it was nearly too late. Hospitals must enforce stricter accountability for on-call specialists to prevent such lapses.

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For Anna, reporting the gynecologist could spark change. Experts suggest documenting everything—medical records, timelines, and communications—as YoMommaHotDog advised on Reddit. Filing a complaint with the hospital’s risk management team, as per Health Affairs, ensures an investigation. Anna should request her records, review the ER and OB notes, and proceed calmly but firmly. This not only validates her experience but could protect future patients.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and sharp takes on Anna’s saga. It’s like a virtual coffee shop debate—everyone’s got an opinion, and they’re not shy. Here’s what they said:

didntseethatcominn − NTA the gynaecologist is supposed to do his job, and if he or she doesn’t ***feel like doing it*** then they should not be a gynaecologist

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Mellbxo − NTA. I'm sorry you had to go through that. The doctor probably didn't believe your pain. A lot of doctors tend to dismiss females when they're in pain. Hopefully you're doing better! Also, could you not get a note from the hospital to prove you were unable to take your exams?

I would imagine your school would understand because you had an emergency which was literally life threatening.. Also, since you asked for help perfecting your English:. really helps me learning.. It should be learn, not learning.. And. What happened could not have prevented. You need to add the word 'been' : What happened could not have been prevented..

And. they could have catched Catched isn't actually a word, but it's pretty easy to mix that one up. The past tense of catch of caught. English is weird. Overall your English is fantastic! It's a super tough language to learn and I'm lucky I don't have to learn it as a second language. If you have any other questions about English, ask away!

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JimLeahe − INFO: Are you in the US? I’m a US IM physician and would be willing to answer questions either in the thread or privately. What happened could not have prevented but if the gynecologist who worked the night just did an exam on me when they were asked to, they could have catched it and maybe then I would not have bled internally for seventeen hours.

Not necessarily; that’s a big assumption. The ultrasound or a CT scan with contrast would be needed to diagnose what you had. If you were in the US, it’s the responsibility of the ER physician to stabilize the patient & discern the initial diagnosis. It is in no way uncommon for a specialist to wait for results prior to seeing you as a consult, especially if the initial labs & exam is benign.

If the consult was placed as ‘Routine’ the OB has 24hrs to see you. If you’re in the US you can go to the hospital you were treated at & request a copy of your medical records. You’ll be able to see what everyone wrote in their daily notes. You’ll want to read the ED note and your History & Physical from admission, in addition to the OB’s consult..

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after being called to do an exam twice. You seem very focused on the physical exam, which, unless your abdomen was rigid (it wasn’t) you weren’t going to the operating room without imaging. Vague abdominal pain will NEVER buy you a ticket to the OR.. I would try getting your records first & seeing what everyone wrote.

purplesmeh − NTA. What is the point of the gyno having a job if he doesn’t actually show up to do it?

ivi15 − NTA - You should definitely report that! It could help someone else down the line. They can't get away with being negligent like that

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costco8165 − NTA- And your English is pretty good for a non native speaker. You should report the doctor. His negligent attitude could have caused serious harm to you and who knows how many other people he has blown off.

YoMommaHotDog − NTA, BUT I've been an RN for over a decade and may can shed some light. (This is my experience and specific to US) When in the ER, the ER doc is your assigned physician. They are trained for emergent situations and call a consult for any specialty work. What I suspect happened is this. Female with Abd pain, call consult to gyno.

Gyno says get an ultrasound and call me back before I come down there. (Could very likely be on call from home). Ultrasound tech tells ER doc something is wrong. ER doc tells gyno, who says that is a general surgery thing not gyno. ER doc tells you gyno won't come to save face (but true though). Surgeons can be hard to get a hold of if they are in the operating day.

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Surgeon finally takes a look and says let's operate. This type of nonsense happens allll the time in our ERs. This may not be your case though! I would request my medical records. You have the right to your records. The ER doc has to document every single consult and what they say. Make a timeline according to your own records.

This will help with any complaint. This may also clear up who dropped the ball. (It may not be gynecology!) Get info before reporting anyone. Risk management take it very seriously with documented evidence. First file a complaint to the hospital it happened at.

If serious enough, complain to the medical board. Only seek a lawyer if you plan to sue, not just complain. Also, keep in mind, some lawyers will still charge you for their time if you don't have a case.. I hope this helps.

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wolofancy − Definitely NTA. I would argue that the fact it still bothers you 6 months later shows how it affected you mentally. You are not doing anything wrong by letting the hospital know what happened to you. That way they can investigate and ensure the best care to patients in the future.

ashtigerrr − NTA. he ignored your pain, causing you to suffer needlessly. report him.

_Julanna − NTA. But just FYI - it was likely the hospitals and the on-call doctors responsibility to decide if your problem was emergent and required immediate review by the specialist or whether it could wait until morning. Some doctors aren’t required under their contracts to come in outside their scheduled hours unless the on-site staff tell them it’s an emergency, and even then it may not be required.

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These Redditors rallied behind Anna, slamming the gynecologist’s negligence while offering practical tips, like grabbing medical records. Some saw the system’s flaws; others urged action. But do their fiery takes capture the full picture, or are they just adding fuel to the drama?

Anna’s harrowing night in the ER exposes a truth we’d rather not face: even in crisis, care isn’t guaranteed. Her resilience shines, but the system’s cracks left her scarred. Reporting the gynecologist might not undo her pain, but it could save others. What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Share your thoughts—have you faced medical neglect, or would you report a doctor months later?

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