Your question deserves a lot of thought!
My FIL and my neice are doctors. I had a good relationship with my former docs.
I guess it was mutual interests and family ties. Anyway, I knew them as really nice guys who cared about their patients and had a good sense of humor too.
A sense of humor is important to me and also compassion. Doctoring can be a tough job and you could get kind of hard nosed.
My FIL was a wonderful guy and a good doctor. He was kind and generous as well.
My current doctor is okay; we don't have a lot in common, but I trust him though he can irk me sometimes. He's kind of a jerk about how many things you can bring up when you see him.
It confuses me because more than one thing can be a problem and you often need advice.
I don't like to doctor shop. I've had to move and leave behind my favorite docs, dentists and hairstylists.
It's a real struggle to find replacements.
I miss the days when there were fewer trips to specialists. In my opinion each specialist can find something. Maybe we don't need to know everything wrong with us? I know I won't last forever and at 63 I know there is a good bit wrong with me.
Do I want a zillion (exageration I know!) surgeries?
I have MS. (neuro)
Thyroid disease (endo)
Sinus and Asthma (ENT and Pulmo)
Bladder issues (uro)
Get the picture!
Once upon a time I could go to one doctor for all of the above. If there was a serious problem, I'd see a specialist or surgeon.
Now it's like every week brings a new appointment.
Last dentist wanted to replace all my old fillings, do some cosmetic stuff, etc. $18,000.
Hello....I've lived with the old fillings for years and years (in molars) and at this point I don't feel like I need to look like the Cheshire cat when I smile.
What is the limit I wonder?
Tootsie