A conversation with our doctors
Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Lela Mayers, Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Dunn and Dr. Mayers recently sat down to talk about how to find the right doctor. Here’s a brief transcript from their conversation.
Dr. Mayers: Hi, Dr. Dunn. We’re here today to talk about conversations to have with your primary care physician. So, what kind of conversation would you want to have with your PCP?
Dr. Dunn: I think first talk about what’s going on in general. If you’re not feeling well, you need to talk about that. What’s not feeling well? You should describe as much as you can about what your symptoms are.
Dr. Mayers: Yes, it depends on why you’re visiting the doctor. I also think your age makes a difference. You might want to ask what kind of screenings you need. How do you stay healthy? How do you get healthy? It will also depend on whether you have any medical conditions. If you’re living with diabetes or hypertension, that’s going to make a difference.
Dr. Dunn: I think one of the first questions a good doctor will ask you is “What’s going on in your life?” They’re going to want to have a conversation and will listen to what you say.
Dr. Mayers: That’s a good point. It may be important for you to have a doctor who allows you the space to talk about what’s going on in your life and ask questions. Not one who just asks, “Why are you here? What prescriptions do you need?”
Dr. Dunn: Exactly. It should be a conversation where you’re exchanging ideas. That way, your doctor can identify what you’re really worried about.
Dr. Mayers: I was taught that patients come to see the doctor with a list of priorities to address. And often doctors have a different set of priorities. So, I would say it’s important to find a doctor who takes your concerns seriously while also addressing what they believe is important for your overall health.
Dr. Dunn: I like a doctor who asks, “What can I do to make you feel better?” By having this conversation, the patient feels more like a person and not like a specimen for diagnosis.
Dr. Mayers: That’s why you’re a great doctor. Because you ask open-ended questions and let your patient say what they want to say. I think that a lot of patients feel their doctors rush them.
Dr. Dunn : It’s a hard balance to find a doctor who listens but still has an office that runs on time—or almost on time.
Dr. Mayers: True. I think it’s a good idea to write down your questions before you go, so you remember all the things you want to ask.
Dr. Dunn: Excellent point. Because a lot of times you start talking to the doctor and forget half of what you want to ask. Having your questions written down will make your appointment more fruitful. You’ll come away feeling the doctor heard all your concerns.
Dr. Mayers: And if you’re worried about remembering what the doctor says, you can bring someone with you. A friend, partner or family member to be there to listen and even take notes you can refer to later.
Dr. Dunn: Your doctor will never object to you having a relative or friend with you.
Dr. Mayers: If you don’t have a good PCP, the Benefit Funds have a great website with a search tool to help you find one.
Dr. Dunn: Your PCP can be a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Whatever works best for you. The goal is to keep you well, keep you healthy and keep you happy, so you can live your best possible life. Of course, I have my own PCP. And I have wonderful conversations with my doctor—who listens and tells me, “Don’t think like a physician today. You are the patient and I’m the doctor.”
Dr. Mayers: I’ll just say it—doctors make the worst patients. So, if we can find doctors we’re happy with, so can you!
