One Thing I learned About Good Doctors…

Once dad had an ear infection, and we went to a nearby Ear and Nose Specialist. we’ll call him Dr K. He was well past his fifties. He had his own clinic. Whenever you go to his clinic, you’ll have to wait at least 30 minutes to get inside. While waiting you’ll see the long faces of all the people just eager to get inside the room for counsel. All of this made us think he was a good doctor.

He suggested some long procedure. And we were worried about it. So, I approached a cousin, who worked in the hospitals as a dietitian, for a deeper discussion on it. I asked her what should we look out for during such long procedures? I don’t remember what she said exactly, but I remember I was pleasantly surprised by the number of aspects she covered. At the end of it, she had given a 10–11 point list of things she needed some more clarity on by the doctor.

Next time we visited the doctor, I waited so as not to interrupt the doctor’s counsel. After he was done, I told him about the list and asked if he’d answer them. He was visibly annoyed. Before even listening to questions he asked, “Who gave the list?” I said, “ My cousin. She’s a dietitian.” He dismissed her right away, “She has half knowledge”. And, suggested we go with his treatment anyway. The next stage was dad getting his ears cleaned. I don’t know what the procedure was but dad wasn’t able to stand straight and puked for a long time. We drove back to home.

My cousin suggested the doctor she had experience with, Dr P, in Pune. We went there, the doctor was younger, but seemed most courteous. Answered all questions, addressed additional concerns there might be. Never treated dad or cousin as a lesser person for not having the knowledge he has. The next morning, we went ahead with the procedure — a surgery. It went well. Dad was walking right after the surgery and was discharged that evening.

One thing I realized you need to do to get a good doctor — Ask questions. If you get insulted, change the doctor. You don’t have to be insulted for not having medical knowledge. That’s why you are there. Never allow anyone to make you feel inferior.

Even if you feel you don’t have any questions. Just think of three and ask. It will make you reflect better on your condition.

I don’t know technically what makes a good doctor is but respecting a patient’s concerns must definitely be a feature. They’ll strive to empower you with knowledge so you make an informed decision. Ask questions. It only leads to a better doctor.