Guest guest Posted July 17, 2003 Report Share Posted July 17, 2003 , I think your post pretty much sums up a lot of problems many parents have had with similar Doctors- their ego has gone sky high and they just can't get back down to reality. He could be very skilled in the areas of his expertise, but for him to willingly comment on something to a reporter he has not done hard research on and spouts off his opinion based theories really irks me. I am going to write him a letter, as I hope many of you will, and let him know all about the helmets/bands out there that are working and to throw that bladder helmet in the trash! My ped was not for the band either, but she was smart enough to take a step back and learn something new to her, you just can't put common sense dimplomas on a wall. My point in digging out his info was to really find out more about his background, because I cannot even count anymore how many times I have heard the same things Dr. Habal said from other parents about their respective Docs and their opinions/theories. I think part of this may stem from ego, and Steph raises a good point, his pocket will suffer if he steered ppl away from surgeries- sad, but very believable. I hope this is a huge eye opener to many new members- because you can't always believe what a Doctor tells you unless you really have checked his credentials and experience in treating plagio. Thanks for sharing this - you have probably helped more ppl than you know today with reading between the lines! 'mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2003 Report Share Posted July 17, 2003 Okay---here is how I size up the guy: Dr. Habal is probably an excellent surgeon. Many people in the community love him because of the absolutely incredible work he does on cleft palate issues. All over the walls of his office were awards, articles of special recognition and before and after pics of children that he actually has done miraculous things with. The problem with Dr. Habal is that he is pretty arrogant (he is one of those docs who does his dictation in front of you and wears his headpiece unit around the office). He is also getting on in age. I don't think he has kept up with helmet/band research especially since he had that relic of a helmet to show me (a clear helmet with air bladders---not the STARlight, mind you.) He also is an opinionated sort and this has probably prevented him from learning about the helmets. He flat out does not believe they work. Unfortunately, he has excellent credentials and a good reputation and has told me that he is the one that meets with insurance companies regarding how helmets do not work and should not be paid for by insurance. This is a bad thing. Anyway---I don't know if he sees emails sent to the web page that was listed by a group member regarding the plastic surgery. To me, he does not seem like the type to keep up with email---but you never know. Although he probably makes a little easy money on the side doing breast enhancements, botox, etc... he is known for his knowledge base in craniofacial work. His correct office address in Tampa was listed on the web site, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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