I have been very fortunate in finding a few good doctors whom I trust, over the years. My first choice, now, is a good accupuncturist. Second choice is a osteopath. After that, I will get around to a regular MD. Having just moved and knowing none of them in the area, I am in a quandry about how to find a good one of each, but as I ask around, I gather more info and will soon decide.

I think what helps is what someone else mentioned, be an informed patient. The docs I see figure out, right away, that I know what I am talking about when it comes to my own body, that I ask specific questions until I understand the answers, and that I will not take their word, nor their prescriptions, like gospel. They also know I will come in armed with printouts of information from researching whatever I think might be wrong OR what they might have diagnosed. Plus, we usually have a hell of a good time talking poitics, etc. The last nephrologist I went to used to set aside a whole hour for me because he wanted to debate with me; one of those times he didn't even charge me because he said it was so much fun!

There are idiots out there. If I wind up going to one it will only be that once; they will never see me again. One of my unofficial volunteer jobs has always been acting as an advocate for friends and family in health matter. Anyone has the right to bring someone with them to see their doctor, and have that person take notes, ask questions, etc. Often the patient is so focussed on what might be wrong that they forget what the doctor said or forget to ask certain questions. An advocate can help with this. I've also done this with people whose pets have been gravely ill and who are not able to cope, alone, esp. to pay attention to what the vet might be advising. In both cases, it seems to be helpful and well worth it.

kat