Personal physicians, sometimes more broadly categorized as primary-care doctors, are keen diagnosticians. Usually, they are educated and experienced in family medicine for you and your entire family, internal medicine for adults, or general pediatrics for those from birth through teen years. For many young women, a gynecologist serves successfully as a personal physician. However, as a woman ages and the possibility of illness increases, it is good to include in this health partnership a family or internal medicine physician. Communication seems to be very important.
Communication is a critical part of any doctor's role.
You will know your doctor has good communications skills if you and your family members feel free to ask whatever questions are on your mind and are satisfied you receive clear and complete answers from your doctor and his or her staff. Your doctor should be a good listener, conveying the feeling he or she cares about you and is giving you full attention. You should not feel that you are being rushed through the interview or appointment or that your questions are foolish. You should feel free to call the office back if you forget exactly what was said or if you have other questions. Over time, your doctor should know you well enough to tell if something is wrong from how and what you both communicate during your appointment.