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Choosing the right Doctor is almost as important as choosing the right spouse. He may even get to see parts of you your husband or wife may never ever see - your eardrum for instance, let alone other sensitive areas we may not mention here.
It is important to shop around. This may be the single most important investment you ever make. This man, or woman is going to be entrusted with your life, after all. Don't just walk into the first surgery you come across in your new town and sign up without more ado. Ask for an introductory appointment and then interview some likely candidates. If you're a woman, don't be fooled by a good bedside manner, and make sure he has a wide circle of trusted colleagues in related fields like gynecology, paediatrics or whatever fits your family profile.

The Doctor may have to-die-for good looks but he may be hiding his lack of expertise behind his smooth bedside manner. Don't be fooled! Ask for credentials. Find out where he got his degree. Was it from a reputable medical Institution. If you have done some prior research you may well find that there are some Universities which produce high-quality family physicians , whereas others may turn out excellent Heart surgeons. Although you may be tempted to think that the heart Surgeon will be a better bet, the family physician may be better suited to your family profile of needs and be humble enough to seek help from better qualified colleagues.
A Doctor who admits that he does not know everything is a good indication that you will be in good hands when it comes to diagnoses. If you present him with a confusing array of symptoms which have him completely stumped and he doesn't just fob you off with a painkiller and a pat on the back, but really listens to you, treats you as an intelligent being, says he will consult with other experts in the field and telephones you with the results the same day is probably the one to go for.
Check whether the Doctor is registered with the local medical and Dental council. If you have young children, get their opinion on the Doctor. Sometimes children have a sixth sense about these things. Trust them. It is their happiness and good health you are after and it is important that they feel safe, isn't it.

Learn more about this author, Viv King.
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