Q. Choosing a new doctor, especially a gynecologist or an obstetrician, can feel overwhelming. How do you suggest going about it?
A. It’s important to find a doctor who you feel at ease talking to, and who you feel listens to you. If you’re someone who likes to do things in a more holistic way, ask the doctor how comfortable they feel with practicing holistic medicine.
Also, it may seem small, but focus on their greeting. Oftentimes, the minute the provider walks in the room, you can learn a lot about them. How did they welcome you into their office or introduce themselves? That sort of thing should show you respect and help you feel confident that you’ll be listened to and, most importantly, treated in the most humane way possible.
If a doctor isn’t for you, then that’s fine. No doctor will be upset if they aren’t the one for you. All we ask is for the patient to be considerate about canceling appointments and, if asked, that they share feedback about what caused their desire to seek care elsewhere.
Women often don’t put themselves first, but this is one of those times where it’s a good idea to do so. Just remember, you can’t fill anyone else’s tank if your own is empty. You need to be in the best possible health, so that you can be there to take care of others and to care for your family and your community. Taking the time to find a doctor who works with your treatment goals will help you do that.
