I agree with the above statements, but want to suggested an ADDED reason that it may be harder for us to find a good doctor: that person may not exist (in real life, anyways)!
Sure, we use stricter criteria to find a good doctor, who may one day save our lives, as compared to a the criteria to find "Mr. Right" (or the right partner), the right friend, etc. I think it is important to not settle when trying to find a doctor, but my tongue-in-cheek comparison is not all that far-fetched: we are looking for a type of relationship with this person, and we want it to be a great one!
My only point here is that we review our laundry list of criteria in our search for a doctor, as there is never going to be the perfect doctor who is 100% knowledgeable, friendly, research-oriented, patient-oriented, accessible, inexpensive, experienced, expert in his/her field, etc.
I speak of this, only because I realized I was doing the very thing: I wanted a male pediatrician for my son (when he gets older, I thought it would help his comfort level), who was experienced, professional, friendly, good office hours...I could go on and on. Well, I found most of my criterion in this one doctor, but I almost ruled him out because he is young! I questioned his experience, but he worked at some amazing places and is "fresh" with the latest information. I was surprised when I found myself thinking this, because as a young professional myself, I know how it feels to be excluded only because age, when all other factors are equal (called ageism, by the way!).
Anyways, just a long-winded way to say: check your "need" vs. "want" list in your search for a good doctor, and realize you will have to make a few compromises; the doctor you dream of may not exist in real life. Talk to your friends, get some referrals from them and family, as well as other trusted doctors, and you'll be set! There are wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, caring and resourceful doctors out there (now, are they on your insurance plan, that is the question..ha ha!)!
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I agree with the above statements, but want to suggested an ADDED reason that it may be harder for us to find a good doctor: that person may not exist (in real life, anyways)!
Sure, we use stricter criteria to find a good doctor, who may one day save our lives, as compared to a the criteria to find "Mr. Right" (or the right partner), the right friend, etc. I think it is important to not settle when trying to find a doctor, but my tongue-in-cheek comparison is not all that far-fetched: we are looking for a type of relationship with this person, and we want it to be a great one!
My only point here is that we review our laundry list of criteria in our search for a doctor, as there is never going to be the perfect doctor who is 100% knowledgeable, friendly, research-oriented, patient-oriented, accessible, inexpensive, experienced, expert in his/her field, etc.
I speak of this, only because I realized I was doing the very thing: I wanted a male pediatrician for my son (when he gets older, I thought it would help his comfort level), who was experienced, professional, friendly, good office hours...I could go on and on. Well, I found most of my criterion in this one doctor, but I almost ruled him out because he is young! I questioned his experience, but he worked at some amazing places and is "fresh" with the latest information. I was surprised when I found myself thinking this, because as a young professional myself, I know how it feels to be excluded only because age, when all other factors are equal (called ageism, by the way!).
Anyways, just a long-winded way to say: check your "need" vs. "want" list in your search for a good doctor, and realize you will have to make a few compromises; the doctor you dream of may not exist in real life. Talk to your friends, get some referrals from them and family, as well as other trusted doctors, and you'll be set! There are wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, caring and resourceful doctors out there (now, are they on your insurance plan, that is the question..ha ha!)!
June 8, 2008 - 7:18pmThis Comment
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