How to Relate to Your Doctor

You've spent time selecting a doctor and presumably have found one to whom you can relate comfortably. How should you deal with her or him? Remember who your doctor is, a dedicated professional with lots of training, someone who is almost as interested in maintaining your health as you are. The doctor is also a person, with feelings of her or his own that come to bear on every relationship. Treat your doctor as an authority, but also as a friend. Having read this book, you are far more knowledgeable about asthma than the average patient. Let this come forth in your dealings with your doctor. Present clearly and informatively the information you have about your health and about the disease in general. Use medical terminology as a way to present your information clearly, but do not hold yourself forth as an expert on a level with your doctor. Try "I did well using just my bronchodilator spray last time" not "All I need is my spray."

Say "My child seems to prefer liquid medicine," not "We tried your capsules last time but he wouldn't take them."

In short, treat your doctor as you would like to be treated yourself. You'll get better medical care and feel better about your doctor if you obey the Golden Rule when you deal with her or him.