Dr Zac reveals why you should audition your GP

Many people are unaware that they can “audition” a doctor to ensure they meet their needs, and Dr Zac explains why it’s crucial to do so.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explains how to audition your GP.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, I’m 21 and just moved out of home. I want to find a different GP to the one my mum and dad use – because I would hate for him to report back and tell them I’m no longer their golden little girl.

I want a GP that I can be honest with about my lifestyle. I work hard, exercise and I also like to go out and party. I’m also really sex positive – and don’t want to be lectured from mum and dad’s 65 year old doctor who looks like he hasn’t had sex in 30 years!

Is it possible to audition a GP or am I being too fussy? If so, what questions should I ask before settling on my own personal GP? – Elle, Footscray, VIC

ANSWER: Dear Elle, What a fantastic question! Many people are unaware that it’s possible to “audition” a medical practitioner to ensure they meet your needs. Taking control of your healthcare is a significant step towards independence and self-care. Finding a GP with whom you can be completely honest about your lifestyle – including work habits, exercise routines, social activities, and sexual health – is crucial for receiving the best care.

Research shows that trust and communication are key components of effective healthcare (Ridd et al., 2009). Additionally, patients who trust their doctors are more likely to follow medical advice and engage in health-promoting behaviours (Thom et al., 2004). Therefore, it’s essential to find a GP with whom you feel comfortable discussing all aspects of your life.

The process of finding the right GP can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is my comprehensive guide on how to select the right GP for you.

Steps to find the right GP

• Research and recommendations

1. Friends and community: Don’t overlook the value of asking friends or colleagues with similar healthcare values for suggestions. Personal recommendations can provide insight into a GP’s approach and compatibility with your needs.

2. Online reviews: Conduct online research about potential GPs. Check their professional profiles and read reviews. This can help you determine whether they have similar values and interests in areas of health you care about. While not every GP needs to mirror your lifestyle, aligning on key aspects can be a good starting point.

Online reviews can help in your selection process for your GP. Picture: iStock

• Initial screening

Clinic visit: Consider visiting the clinic in person to get a sense of the environment and team. The friendliness and professionalism of the staff can indicate how comfortable you might feel scheduling consultations and sharing personal information.

Availability: Ensure the GP has convenient office hours and can accommodate your schedule. Patients often express frustration about not being able to get appointments on short notice. Planning ahead by booking quarterly reviews can help address issues early before they escalate.

Questions to ask potential GPs

When searching for a GP, it’s crucial to find a doctor who understands your lifestyle challenges, provides non-judgmental, evidence-based recommendations, and can refer you to trusted specialists if needed.

Additionally, it is essential your GP’s approach to medicine matches your expectations — whether you seek a reactive (fixing) or proactive (preventing) approach to health, or a mix of both.

Experience with your lifestyle

Discussing your lifestyle with the doctor by simply describing a typical week in your life can greatly help assess the GPs familiarity and experience with similar patients. Here are some questions to ask:

• “What is your experience with patients who lead active lifestyles and have diverse social habits?”

• “Do you have any specialties or interests in areas such as sexual health, mental health, or sports medicine?”

• “I lead a very active lifestyle and sometimes engage in partying. How do you support patients with similar lifestyles?”

Tell the doctor about your lifestyle. Picture: iStock

Continuity of care

For specialised topics, it’s essential to ensure your GP knows when to refer you to a specialist. Ask:

• “How do you handle continuity of care if I need to see a specialist or require emergency services?”

Approach to health

Ensure your GP’s approach aligns with your health philosophy:

• “How do you approach preventative care versus reactive care?”

• “What is your philosophy on managing lifestyle-related health issues?”

Evaluating the GP

After your initial visit, reflect on the following aspects to evaluate the GP:

• Comfort Level: Did you feel comfortable discussing personal issues? Trust and comfort are fundamental for a productive GP-patient relationship.

• Communication: Was the GP clear and open in their communication?

• Approachability: Did the GP seem approachable and non-judgmental about your lifestyle?

• Thoroughness: Did the GP take time to understand your health concerns and lifestyle? Comprehensive care is essential for addressing all aspects of your health.

Does this GP feel like the right fit for your lifestyle? Picture: iStock

Building the relationship

Once you select a GP, building a strong relationship involves:

• Regular visits: Schedule regular check-ups to build rapport and ensure continuous monitoring of your health.

• Honesty: Be honest about all aspects of your lifestyle. This openness allows your GP to provide the best possible care.

• Feedback: Provide feedback if something isn’t working for you. A good GP will appreciate your input and adjust their approach if necessary.

Thank you once again Elle for bringing this very important topic to everyone’s attention. Ask any GP in Australia and they would love more open and honest conversations with their patients so they can help with medical conditions before they become a serious problem.

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Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.