I had a thought. My female housemate and I are both at a loss for a good gyns in the area. My mother and the post-menopausal set around here see this one guy who I can't stand. I belong to a couple community and religious organizations and I am not shy about asking women if they know of a good gyn. (Getting married in July and almost 25 so I can feel free to ask. Seeing as we were always told you didn't need to see a gyn until you were sexually active or 25. And you don't want to tell the priest's wife you're living in sin! ;) ) I lived in Texas for awhile and the only thing I liked about where I was living was my gyn.
I was wondering if people that live in larger cities and metropolitan areas could post the name of their gyn if they really liked them. Obviously if you live in a small town you may want to keep details like this private. I'm just desperate and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. So I'm in Philadelphia and if anyone knows of one, within an hour of the city, please share!!!
Are you not near a large medical center? Also finding a good gyn is imperative but it's subjective. Meaning if I like Dr. X you may find you do not have a good a rapport with him/her. What about speaking with some of the ladies you work with? Go to a few of the doctors and interview them to find the best for you!
I start a new job tomorrow actually. I have been housewifeing it since my fiance and I just bought a house. As for the medical centers, the waiting list to get in are months long, some as many as 6 months. For as many Universities and Medical Schools as we have around ehre Specialists seem to be in high demand. I've got one suggestion from a friend and I'm waiting for it to be 9am (oh look it's 9:01) to try to make an appoitnment.
I know about medical centers the lists are very long to get into see a doc! Shop for the best doctor for you. I generally prefer female Gyns or NP's. But over the past few years I wound up with a male gyn who has been wonderful (this is rare in my opinion, sorry). If you know any nurses ask them who's good since they have a good grasp on who does what and see the array of who's out there.
Good luck!
And you Yanks badmouth our NHS??
I am a socialist! I lived in Switzerland when I was 19, I was a virgin, had my period for 3 weeks REALLY heavy, like if I weren't a virgin I would have assumed I was having a miscarriage with giant complications. I found a GYN made an appointment and it cost my 150 swiss francs for the appointment and prescriptions 2 days after I called. I LOVE SOCIALIZED MEDICINE! My cousin married a german guy who wanted to set me up with some friends of his and I was all for it, then my pesky fiance had to show up and make me fall for him so I'm stuck stateside!
Socialized medicine is a good way. Does anyone realize how many Americans (YANKS, lol) do not have any coverage? Nor do they have access to coverage! It's very sad since many work multiple jobs, employers do not offer insurance yet they (the patients) make too much to qualify for governmental assitance; we refer to them as the "working class poor".
I had one patient while in QMS who kept returning to the hospital for arrhythmias (he was not taking his meds due to cost) refused the pacer, later when the Cardiologist asked why this man broke into tears crying since he could not afford it! The Cardio. did it for free, the hospital donated & wrote off the expense--this is so rare. This man worked THREE jobs and was willing to die rather then leave his family with significant medical bills! How sad.
So who has the better system? Not us in the US!!!!
That begs the question, what makes for a good gyn?
My first gynecological appointment was with the doctor recommended by several female relatives- in fact, my mother told me, "Be nice to her, she brought you into this world and she can take you out of it." I was told that she was a "comfortable sort of doctor", friendly and not standoffish, and very knowledgeable. I found her patronizing and not very willing to tell me what was going on inside my body, even when directly questioned, and her advice to several of my questions was not exactly elucidating. Methinks I need a second opinion, and I'm currently trying to network with a few friends to find another doctor.
What qualities do you think make for a good gynecologist? What do you like about yours, or dislike about ones you have seen? Are there any red flags that make you turn and run out of the office? What questions would you want to ask?
Naturally I am prejudiced. I strongly prefer a woman to be messing with my woman parts. That does not mean that there are not good male gyn's, just that I have my preferences and biases.
Having been spayed years ago, I go to a gyn who is not also an obstetrician. If I were in the child bearing mode, I would want one who does the whole bit. Generally, younger are more up to date and more likely to adopt newer practices. I like that and try to stay out of ruts of my own.
In this day and age, all have had appropriate training - assuming they are board certified in whatever country. You can check with local medical associations about certification, discipline and technical competence. Hospitals may also furnish this information where the doctor has privileges. It really does come down to "bedside manner." What you are doing through friends is likely the best way ro locate one with whom you are comfortable.
I look for a good Doc or Gyn, based upon the rapport I have with them. Before there is even an exam I want answers and I watch their questions. I also look at how thorough their "history" is when they are asking medical questions about my past. Now as far as attitude? I don't care if he/she is arrogant, I do expect a good answer to my questions, or if they do not know the answer he/she answers honestly and finds the answer (or directs me to a specialist).
It's a bit harder for me since I know many of them locally, but I do look for a doctor who will take control and not allow me to persuade them out of an opinion or a diagnostic. Yet, I want a doc who understands when I can treat myself. :)