Choosing a primary care physician

[tjl]

When choosing a primary care physician (as an adult), do any of the following matter to you?

* Same gender
* Age about the same as you or slightly older [1]
* Similar genetic background [2]
* Similar habits that affect health (eating, exercise, sports, etc.)

Basically, characteristics which make it more likely that the primary care physician has personally experienced or is aware of (due to personal interest) medical problems that are likely to affect you. For example, if you come into the office with a sports injury, a primary care physician who plays the same sports you do may be more likely to be familiar with such an injury and be able to treat it or refer you to the correct specialist.

[1] But not too much older, so that the physician does not retire too soon.
[2] Not the same as socially defined race or ethnicity, although there is some correlation in many cases.

 

[Karky]

I'd want same sex (a man) simply because if there's every something wrong with my penis, I won't trust a woman to fix it because it was probably a woman who broke it in the first place

Someone who's into sports would be great!

 

[GT2003]

There's a bunch of good doctors out there but you have to choose one you are comfortable with. Some people want to go in, get seen, get medicine and leave. Others, like me, want to have the physician talk to me, let me know what's going on/explain what's going on, then leave. So, you have to pick one you are comfortable with. I would agree that someone with a sports background similar to your own would be an advantage. However, there are always specialists for that if you need them.

P.S. - I had the advantage of working in the same hospital as my doctor for 10 years or so. I was able to see how he practiced and choose based on that along with his personality/demeanor.

 

[calcium]

I would want a woman cause girls rock!

 

[i_love_muscle]

When choosing a primary care physician (as an adult), do any of the following matter to you?

* Same gender
* Age about the same as you or slightly older [1]
* Similar genetic background [2]
* Similar habits that affect health (eating, exercise, sports, etc.)

Basically, characteristics which make it more likely that the primary care physician has personally experienced or is aware of (due to personal interest) medical problems that are likely to affect you. For example, if you come into the office with a sports injury, a primary care physician who plays the same sports you do may be more likely to be familiar with such an injury and be able to treat it or refer you to the correct specialist.

[1] But not too much older, so that the physician does not retire too soon.
[2] Not the same as socially defined race or ethnicity, although there is some correlation in many cases.

My GP is male, a little older than me, very athletic, top of his graduating class, great bedside manner, great sense of humor, keeps up-to-date on medical issues, and has a very open mind when it comes to non-pharmaceuticals and a more holistic approach to health. I couldn't ask for a better doctor. He's tight with all the top surgeons and very well-respected, so I get all-round good health care.

Gender and genetics are irrelevant to me. I just want the best doctor for whatever is ailing me.