When it comes to choosing a physician, there’s a lot to consider, from their medical training and areas of interest to whether they accept your health insurance. Plus, the doctor’s personality is important, too. And while you may have a good idea of what kind of doctor you need based on recommendations from friends and family, it’s essential to do your own research as well.
The word “doctor” has been around for centuries, and it originally referred to someone who had earned a post-graduate research degree, such as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). In the 14th century, the term began to be applied to medical practitioners as well. Since then, the definition of doctor has shifted slightly, and in modern English the title is used to describe a person who has been trained in the healing arts of medicine. However, the word doctor is still widely used in other languages, where it continues to refer to doctors who have earned their doctorates through years of coursework, exams, writing a dissertation and defending that dissertation.
As a result, doctors must be knowledgeable in a number of areas, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, and they also need to be well-versed in current practices and standards in their field. Additionally, they must be able to communicate effectively with patients of all ages and backgrounds and work as part of a team. They must also be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure, as well as remain calm and focused in stressful situations.
While the basic qualifications of a doctor vary around the world, some common elements include being licensed to practice medicine, following medical ethics and treating all patients with consideration, compassion and benevolence. Some doctors also have a specialty, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, or endocrinology. Others are board certified, which means they have completed a rigorous certification process and are qualified to diagnose and treat certain conditions.
In addition, the ethical guidelines for doctors include a requirement to not misdiagnose or mistreat patients. They must also be available for patients at reasonable times and not engage in inappropriate sexual behavior or harassment. If a doctor does not follow these guidelines, they can be subject to professional misconduct and face disciplinary action.
When choosing a physician, it’s best to find one who works within your network. This makes it easier for you to schedule appointments and can help reduce wait times. It’s also helpful to find out if the doctor’s office offers a meet-and-greet visit, which can give you an opportunity to ask questions and see if the doctor is a good fit for your needs.
If you’re not sure which type of doctor is right for you, you can look up physicians on websites like ZocDoc, which allows users to search by location and narrow their choices by gender, specialties, languages spoken, and patient satisfaction ratings. You can even get a feel for the office environment by looking at photos and reading reviews from other patients.