How do speak to your doctor

1. Your doctor is likely to have seen many many patients before you, and will likely have a list of other patients to see after you. You cannot therefore assume that the doctor will know everything about your past history – even if you have told this numerous times in the past. 

2. Try to understand your agenda – what would you like to get out of this clinic and what way can you present the information which maximises the chance of your doctor being likely to help out. 

3. The strongest memory is weaker than the faintest ink – try to write down the top 3 things you’d like to cover, and specific questions. 

4. Remember your doctor is another human being – he or she will have their own families, stress and pressures – therefore kindness, compassion and understanding are key values – a nice way to greet your doctor could be ” Good morning , how are you?”