What Makes a Good Doctor?

Interesting how similar both the doctor and patient responses were to this question. Maybe there’s hope.

I particularly enjoyed one doctor’s comment: “I have no respect for physicians (or anyone else, for that matter) who treat people differently depending on their `status.`”

Couple of years back I underwent a series of outpatient oral surgeries, all by the same attending surgeon, who was also the department head. The day after each surgery I’d receive a phone call from a nurse or resident, asking how I was doing (the usual litany of questions…any bleeding, any pain, are you eating, etc.)

I didn’t (and still don’t) have any problem with that, but was amused to learn later that when two of my co-workers had lesser procedures performed by the same doctor, he called them personally the next day.

One of those co-workers is married to a local dentist. The other is the husband of the clinic’s administrative secretary to the CEO. Guess it does pay to have connections.

I am new to the Medical Practice area but my though on “what makes a good doctor” are:

- no or less number of claims/suits
- many patients (referral maybe?)
- good school
- good exam result
- affiliation with a reputable hospital

Any thoughts, guys?