Selecting a new doctor – Live&Work 4healthyu

I thought I was just a good, educated consumer researching the backgrounds of potential new doctors. But I was also drawn to their smiles and lack of smiles. Yes, I realized a friendly smile was a tipping point as I made my choices! Am I crazy? Have you thought about the significance of a smile?

I’m drawn to a warm, inviting smile when working with medical professionals. The smile says, “come in, and you can trust me!” In contrast, a doctor with a long list of accomplishments and designations with a cold, stern, and unsmiling face tells me to keep my distance and not get too comfortable. But, honestly, beyond the medical community, I welcome openness and genuineness in the smiles of family and friends.

I’ve learned a smile can be alarmingly deceptive too, in my lifetime. Behind smiles, I’ve sensed insincerity, indifference, and a shocking lack of trustworthiness. In some, I’ve also discovered mockery, hostility, and cunning. Suddenly, my thoughts go to bullies, colleagues, politicians, and a few memorable salesmen.

I’m also more aware of the uncomfortable predicament of “unsmiling” people. I’ve known folks with dental problems, horrible teeth, or no teeth. Smiling is difficult and avoided. One of the best people I know comes to mind. After an accident, he was never one to smile and mastered a genuine tooth-less grin. I suspect we all know and love people who don’t smile or rarely share.

I considered majoring in “Human Development and Social Policy” in college, but I didn’t understand complicated human nature and interactions. Finally, a professor tried to explain how studying this area might help me in my career. As a collegiate, I was too naïve, but as an adult, I appreciated a smile and learned to look beyond it with greater understanding.

We love our creature comforts, including favorite foods, clothes, furniture, or whatever you hold dear. Dare I say it? One of my creature comforts included my long-time primary care doctor! Creature comforts make us feel good and comfortable, but have you ever considered welcoming a new physician (PCP)?

I believe excellent primary care is critical and the center of all things in my wellness journey. I’ve been fortunate to have doctors who are easy to talk to and available. But as my insurance changed, I had to change doctors twice in the last few years. These adjustments were stressful, considering my previous physician was mine for more than ten years. Unfortunately, the Pandemic didn’t help me cope with change.

But I’ve noticed a few surprising things about changing doctors. First, our country has many excellent doctors with diverse backgrounds, interests, and specialties. The last two doctors brought fresh, new insight into my health care. They made me think (and rethink) what medications I use and how well exercise and nutrition support my wellness journey. They ordered new and different lab work and testing. We talked, and they challenged me with probing questions and offered other therapies, not clinging to old diagnoses and treatments.

My old primary doctor was a terrific physician, but the change was good for me. I feel comfortable and safe with new doctors. If you aren’t familiar, “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” was a beloved, popular classic tv family doctor with a great bedside manner. He was the old standard for a “good” doctor. But hey, I’m good without him. How about you? Are you ready for a new doctor?

Tag: Selecting a new doctor

What’s in a smile?

Finding a new “Dr. Welby!”