by Katelyn Vercoe

Created on: April 30, 2008

Ideally, a trusted doctor is intimately connected with a family's journey through life. The selection of a suitable candidate to fulfill this role for your family is extremely important and should be made on the grounds of criteria, such as is listed below:

REPUTATION

Ask around to discover a doctor of excellent reputation within the local community. A handful of glowing referrals is more valuable than a list of formal credentials in the choice of a family GP. Aim to find several complementary reports, don't make a decision based on the opinion of one person only.

ABILITY TO RELATE TO CHILDREN

Visits to the doctor, for a young child, are potentially frightening events, particularly in the early years when a visit often involves immunization a painful experience beyond the understanding of an eighteen month old child. Look for a doctor who demonstrates a friendly manner towards children, putting them at ease and allaying fears. A doctor who can praise and encourage a screaming toddler is of great value.

CLARITY OF COMMUNICATION

Some of the most intimidating feelings in life are those of vulnerability and helplessness, evoked by the mystery of medical procedures and protocols. Try to find a family doctor who will explain conditions and possible treatments clearly, in layman's terms, and allow sufficient time to discuss and address concerns to your satisfaction.

On a simpler level, if a doctor's mother tongue is different from yours, and your ability to understand his/her accented speech is severely restricted, you may need to pursue another alternative.

LONG TERM AVAILABILITY

Find a doctor who is committed to general practice in your area. Often doctors remain in a practice for only a short time before relocating or refocusing their specialization. Look for some assurance that the doctor intends to be available to doctor your family for many years.

In a similar vein, if you are young, then an elderly doctor, on the brink of retirement, is probably not an appropriate choice. A doctor should, ideally, be able to accompany a family through life.

ACCESSIBILITY AND AVAILABILITY

Accessibility and availability are very real concerns in the selection of a family doctor. Many times, in family life, a doctor is required in times of crisis and disruption. An hour's drive to the surgery, or a two week waiting period for appointment times is of no use to parents with a feverish child. If a doctor only schedules two afternoons a week for appointments, chances are your family illnesses will rarely coincide with the doctor's availability.

BEDSIDE MANNER

A doctor who lacks professionalism does little to instill confidence in patients. However, doctors who are extremely clinical may not be gifted GPs. A cut throat, ambitious surgeon is highly desirable for removing cancerous growths, whereas, when family planning, childhood behaviour and stress issues need a medical perspective, a more empathetic persona is preferable.

In many towns, little choice of doctor is available, indeed, families are grateful to gain a place on the books of any practice doctors are in such high demand. If you are fortunate enough to have several available options, it is well worth investing the time and effort required to find the doctor best suited to serving your family.

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