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Steve
01-10-2004, 09:47 PM
I took all three girls at once to the pediatrician last Tuesday; they all had been coughing, with runny noses, for over a week. It was time. Ear infections, every one. A couple of prescriptions later and we were on our way.

When my wife came home from work I brought her up to date. She asked which doctor had seen them, and I said "I don't know - it's on the forms." She was flabbergasted that I didn't even know which doctor it was.

Truth is, I've never really cared enough to bother to remember any doctor's name, or which doctor I saw. Can't even recall the name of the one that operated on my hands and fixed my carpal tunnel syndrome.

It's not that I discount the value and worth of the work that doctors do. It's just that I guess I sort of view them in the same light as skilled auto mechanics: there's a problem, you describe the symptoms, they perform an examination, fix the problem, you pay for the services, and you're on your way. If the job is done poorly, I'll be back to complain, to be sure. Otherwise.....

So, just curious, how do others view their doctors? Is there some sort of reverence, some sort of relationship, or do you just go to get a problem fixed and don't care who does it as long as it's done?

(I realize that women have a hugely different approach, at least as regards one particular type of doctor, and I understand why. So, ladies, are you particular about your GP, too?)

ethics
01-10-2004, 10:06 PM
Well, I used to be like you, Steve. Until a more serious problem occurred and I realized that not all "mechanics" are made the same.

The hardest doctor to find is one that will spend time with you, listen to you, and then try their damnest not over-prescribe chemicals. :)

BigDeputyDog
01-10-2004, 10:21 PM
The physicians I have seen (GPs) have been not only my doctors but my friends. Since the late 60's, I have had 3 family physicians. The first was my doctor (later my wife's and my son's) that I had for 14 years. Shortly after my divorce, my doc got divorced too. We did a bit of bar hopping together. When I married the second time, he attended my wedding. Because of a change in insurance, I had to leave my old doctor and find another one. I asked doctor #1 for a referral, someone he knew and trusted. Doctor #2 was a friend of doctor #1 so the transition was not too difficult. I had doctor #2 for 17 years. We attend some of the sporting events her in our city together. Once again, due to an insurance change, I had to change doctors again. Doctor #3 came highly recommended and has not been a disappointment. He has been my doctor now for 3 years. All 3 of the doctors have a great rapport with their patients. All take the time to talk, never seeming in a rush. I can call any of them anytime day or night (I have not only their home numbers but their cell phone and pager numbers also) in case I need them. I haven't "officially" seen doctor #1 in 20 years, but I can call him and he will see me within 2 hours if necessary.

BDD...

melpomene
01-10-2004, 10:53 PM
So, just curious, how do others view their doctors?

quacks!

I rarely go to the doctor. I diagnose and treat myself.

ethics
01-10-2004, 11:29 PM
quacks!

I rarely go to the doctor. I diagnose and treat myself.
Psychologically or just physically?

tke711
01-10-2004, 11:32 PM
We are just the opposite. We research and interview our doctors, especially our pediatrician, before we ever see them.

Unfortunately, our pediatrician (that we absolutely loved and adored) unexpectedly passed away on Christmas Eve from an aneurysm at the age of 56. So, we are now starting the process over again for our next pediatrician.

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