Milford chronicle., 1956-02-24
WHAT DO AMERICANS THINK
ABOUT THEIR DOCTORS?


about doctors--both their own doctors and
doctors in general?
We have all heard many varied answers
to that Question-answers based on individ-
ual predictions, attitudes and experience.
The American Medical Association wanted TO
answer too along with various other infor-
nation, and it tcok the scientific approach
by sponsoring a nationwide survey BY an
ildependent opinion. and market research
firm This firm conducted personal inter-
views with 1900 people during 1855; select
ing lkS interviews so that the proportion
from various age, economic, geographical
and ether groups matched the proportion in
TIE total u. S. population The results have
now been made public, and here are some
Of the high spots.
First of all, 80 per cent Of the people have
regular family doctor-the figure is 90 per
cent in the case Of rural dwellers. Practi-
cally al Of them like and respect him. When
changes are made, it is generally because
they or the doctor move, or the latter goes
out Of practice. Only very small percent
age change because Of loss of confidence or
Kindred reasons. A majority thinks it is
extremely important to choose ones doctor
this doesn't matter in that most doctors have
the same education and qualifications
In answering questions as to their own
DOCTORS 81 per cent said that he is rs dedi-
Gated 60 serving mankind as he Should be-
with per cent on the other side. Seventy
nine per cent denied that ne charges too
much while 16 per cent thought that he does
Two-thirds denied that he makes toe much
money compared with his patients; 1S per
cent said be does. The complaint that he is
too quick to recommend operations was de-
MED BY 81 per cent, with only per cent
agreeing.
The survey. always found that people
think more highly of their own family doc
tors than Of doctors in general-this. It
seems, IS not case where distant fields look
greener. Some 85 per cent said that their
doctor IS different from most others-only
one in seven said he is not Qualities cited
for their man include sympathy kindness.
competence, frankness, honesty, personal in
terest, etc.
This attitude was carried out in the ans
wers to a series of positively-worded true
false questions For example, 80 per cent
said my doctor" was frank enough in talk
ing to patients about illnesses, while only AZ
per cent said that of doctors in general. And
where 81 per cent said "ny doctor" gave pa
tients as much time as they wanted, this was
held to be true Of only 30 per cent Of all
doctors. The survey draws this conclusion:
Peoples attitudes toward their own doc
tors are based upon their own experience
while their attitudes towards doctors in gen
eral must necessarily be based upon second
ary information and hearsay."
All IN all, this survey certainly indicates
that the American people have a higher re-
gard for the medical profession than some
would have us believe. It is also significant
. that the findings about the total public also
Apply 70 suD-groups -fnen and women, young
and old, white and blue collar and 50 On. The
percentage differences in opinion between
gnlen ll, and non-union people we're almost in
distinguishable."