Like any other relationship, the one between a doctor and a patient would be unique and different for each person. The doctor should fit in to your worldview, because after all you would need to put your trust onto her/him.
Still, from my standpoint, I want to enlist three qualities of “a good doctor”
- Someone who embraces uncertainties. Medicine has changed as a speciality from “curing diseases” to “managing risk factors”. We rely on statistics to evaluate the risk reduction by medicines. There is mostly no blacks and whites, but greys in-between. Understanding these limitations would mean that unlike the traditionally appreciable qualities of confidence and assertiveness, a doctor now should be able to embrace uncertainties and not hesitate to self doubt where it is necessary.
- Someone who follows scientific methods of inquiry. It is important to understand how our own biases can influence us. It is human nature to be tempted to believe explanations because they sound plausible, or because they agree with a prior belief or fit in with our value systems. Similarly, it can be difficult to give up a long-standing belief, even if not supported by the available evidence. Being critical of ones decision making is an important part of science.
- Someone who prioritises patients over self-indulgence.
I strongly recommend patients to read this book-Smart Health Choices by Irwig.


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