News that people are taking “Dr Google” seriously to the point of excluding real doctors’ input from their personal health care is worthy of condemnation (Dr Google can be a killer, ST 3/11). While doctors themselves might disagree about a diagnosis initially, disease progression and professional follow-up establishes a relationship where responsibility is assumed to achieve the highest standards of medical practice. Some missteps during Covid, inherent in managing a completely unpredictable and lethal threat should not erode trust in the medical profession on matters which are well researched, clearly understood and treatable with early intervention. Many diseases are asymptomatic, presenting late for treatment and often resulting in death. It is unacceptable that “Dr Google” should be added to the reasons why urgent treatments are delayed. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 10Nov2024