It has been my experience that the best referrals are word of mouth. Who are your friends and family using. Not only is it important to find out their credentials, but it is also important to know how they communicate, if they are easy to talk to, if they are compassionate, etc.
Everyone needs to find someone they are comfortable with, and you should never be afraid to ask questions to a doctor. Find out how they answer questions, i.e. do they dismiss them, or do they take the time to explain.
I was a nurse for 15 years and it amazed me how many people looked up to physicians as God-like prophets. It also amazed me how many doctors also thought that of themselves.
I am not saying that all physicians are like that but as with anything else, you will find good and bad. Keep in mind they can't all graduate at the top of their class, and for that matter do you even want them to?
Physicians are not only supposed to treat a condition or symptom, they are supposed to treat a person, the whole person.
This may be a little far reached, and off subject, but I am going to leave you with this thought and it does tie in..
I have 4 children, and I am considered to be an over protective parent, but I have a standard rule of thumb when it comes to my kids as well as anything else in my life and this can apply for chosing doctors.
If I don't know you well enough or trust you enough to lend you my car, you sure as heck are not going to be entrusted with my kids or my life. Because a car can be replaced, we can't.
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It has been my experience that the best referrals are word of mouth. Who are your friends and family using. Not only is it important to find out their credentials, but it is also important to know how they communicate, if they are easy to talk to, if they are compassionate, etc.
Everyone needs to find someone they are comfortable with, and you should never be afraid to ask questions to a doctor. Find out how they answer questions, i.e. do they dismiss them, or do they take the time to explain.
I was a nurse for 15 years and it amazed me how many people looked up to physicians as God-like prophets. It also amazed me how many doctors also thought that of themselves.
I am not saying that all physicians are like that but as with anything else, you will find good and bad. Keep in mind they can't all graduate at the top of their class, and for that matter do you even want them to?
Physicians are not only supposed to treat a condition or symptom, they are supposed to treat a person, the whole person.
This may be a little far reached, and off subject, but I am going to leave you with this thought and it does tie in..
I have 4 children, and I am considered to be an over protective parent, but I have a standard rule of thumb when it comes to my kids as well as anything else in my life and this can apply for chosing doctors.
If I don't know you well enough or trust you enough to lend you my car, you sure as heck are not going to be entrusted with my kids or my life. Because a car can be replaced, we can't.
February 15, 2008 - 7:46amThis Comment
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