 | What Makes a Top Doc? A Patient-Oriented Wish List Dateline: 4/13/98 |
This week, I'd like to start a dialogue that describes what characteristics make a doctor a Top Doc. I'd urge you to participate in the dialogue by posting at the bulletin board your own ideas of what qualities a Top Doc should have.
I'll start off with my own "Wish List." A Top Doc:
- is someone who truly listens, not half-listens while reading something in my chart, looking at his/her watch, or figuring out how to contradict or respond to what I'm saying before I've even finished
- diagnoses based on a combination of science and heart
- doesn't assume that I'm exaggerating my symptoms
- doesn't automatically assume that my problems are "female," or "stress" related
- is open to new ideas, new developments, and alternatives
- feels that she or he is a partner in my wellness, not an authority
- doesn't think that an MD after his or her name makes him or her better than me
- is intelligent, up to date on latest developments, and interested in medicine and health
- practices what he or she preaches, health-wise
- someone who remembers my name from visit to visit
- someone who calls me back as soon as possible, and doesn't make me wait days for results and such
- someone who doesn't automatically insist I come in every time I call for a question, just to make a few extra bucks
- someone who does NOT accept all the freebies and such from drug companies, and prefers
to make her or his own mind up about various drugs
and finally
- someone who is more concerned with me as a patient instead of as a lab value!
Comment on what you've read here, and share questions, experiences and information with me and other readers and site visitors at the Thyroid Disease Bulletin Board. |
 | If you want to drop me a line, email me at thyroid.guide@about.com! |
 | A Great Idea!!! Subscribe to my Thyroid Disease News Report.
Thousands of people are already receiving Sticking Out Our Necks, my free, email news report on Thyroid Disease! Don't miss out on another information-packed issue!! Click here for more information and to subscribe! |
