#284 – Family Doctor – Matching Expectations

Over the years, because I've lived in a number of provinces and because doctors have other plans too, I've had a number of family doctors.

Some good, others great.

One of the most empowering experiences I had was with a family doctor that I had the great fortune to partner with in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Before deciding to accept a new patient, the potential patient was required to fill out a comprehensive form. It was designed to discover what your expectations from a family doctor were and whether your medical philosophies would mesh or clash.

I have since forgotten what Dr. J asked on her form, but I have not forgotten the enriching and rewarding doctor/patient relationship that was created by the matching of expectations and treatment protocols.

That was thirty years ago.

Have you ever had this experience?

4 Replies to “#284 – Family Doctor – Matching Expectations”

  1. All the GPs that I have had anything to do with throughout my adult life which included many transfers of residences, have been exceptional in their relationships with me. The two surgeons who replaced and revised my hip joints too were remarkable people. My late wife’s cardiologist was another superb human being who really enabled her to live longer than perhaps under some one else’s care.

    1. Ramana,
      I’ve been fortunate with the majority of health care professionals I’ve had to deal with – from GPs to surgeons and specialists. However, this experience took it to a new level.

      I suspect you were well-treated because you gave what you got! 🙂

  2. I have had the same doctor for 32 years. Don’t remember an interview type form when I first went there.

    The doctor has recently closed up shop so I’ll let you know when I find a new one.

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