DEAR READERS,

Geraldine J. is an intelligent 23 years, who writes Lifeline from a Kingston 6 address. She asks Lifeline "How does a person choose a physician to be their family doctor"? She inherited her family doctor from her mother and feels quite comfortable with him, but sometimes she wonders if she shouldn't visit a younger, more modern physician. She asked Lifeline what characteristics to look for when deciding to see a doctor.

Firstly, Lifeline states that age is not a defining factor. Instead, whether young and 'looking' very 'green' or mature, the important characteristic is "knowledge of medicine and the ability to successfully impart that knowledge to the patient in a useful, helpful manner.

All physicians are required by law to display, in a visible place in their office, their medical credentials for viewing. All practising physicians must currently be registered with the Medical Council of Jamaica. Once that fact has been positively ascertained then time should be spent speaking with friends and colleagues and assessing the medical and ethical reputation of the physicians being considered. Certainly, there is no perfect physician, but do the majority of people who seek that physician's services feel that they have received help and are they positively inclined towards the doctor?

Current membership

For example, Geraldine may wish to consider that her elderly family physician may be quite acceptable when compared with other physicians. He has withstood the test of time in service to her family, which is still satisfied with his standard of care. Another factor to consider when choosing a physician is if the doctor holds current membership with any or several of the medical organisations active in Jamaica, for example, the Association of General Practitioners of Jamaica, the Caribbean College of Family Physicians, the Medical Association of Jamaica, the Association of Physicians and Surgeons, the Paediatric Association of Jamaica and there are many more! Often, being a member of these associations is linked with being active in participating in continual medical education and keeping abreast with new practices in medicine.

Thus, the doctor's reputation is important, the doctor's known level of practice skills are important. The ability of the doctor to understand your needs is important. Ultimately, your feelings of 'trust' in your doctor's skill and treatment are important. What a high accolade it is to a physician to hear a patient state, "Ah doc! I feel better already, just sitting down in your office and talking with you, getting your opinion on the thing!" That doctor has already started the healing process in his or her patient!

Therefore, when choosing a family doctor, try to include the following factors:

• Choose a physician who keeps up to date with current medical knowledge and practice.

• Choose a physician who is open minded and will consider various and even complementary medical therapies.

• Choose a physician who will listen to what you have to say.

• Choose a physician who will explain to you what is wrong and not just hand you a prescription.

• Choose a physician who communicates well.

• Choose a physician who sees you as a "whole" person and not just a case of 'flu' or 'diabetes', but as an individual functioning within your environment.

• Remember, a good physician who knows you and your family well is a wonderful person to have around in times of crises.

Write Lifeline

P.O. Box 1731

Kgn 8

A.J.M.