Whenever we feel sick, really sick that we know that none of the over-the-counter drugs will heal us, it is a natural thing to think of going to a physician. But for some 20% of Americans which consists mainly of children, going to the doctor may be the last thing on their mind to go to a physician.
The fear of doctors can stem from traumatic experiences and negative perceptions about physicians. Typically, iatrophobia starts from childhood. While some may be able to overgrow their condition, others may bring it with them even if they grow into adults. A series of traumatic experiences in hospitals can also cause a patient to fear or not to want to go to a hospital or see a doctor.
Indeed, doctors are partly responsible for this kind of illness. This is why, choosing the physician with the following qualities is the best thing to do especially if the reason why we are seeing a physician is for our children.
Compassion
It is of great help if the attending doctor shows empathy to his patients. He should not only strive to do the best of his ability to deliver his expertise in treating patients from their illnesses but comforting them throughout the process can give the patients positive vibes. A physician should aim to establish a good doctor-patient rapport to be able elicit trust from the patient. If all doctors are compassionate, there may be no reason why people have to fear them.
Expertise
A doctor should never stop enhancing his craft. He should always go for further studies and attend seminars to be updated about the new innovations and practices in the medical field. There are always situations where malpractice happen in the medical profession, this has been identified as one of the causes why some people develop the fear for doctors.
Professionalism
A doctor should have a strong commitment to his profession and this can be shown on how he handles his work. A physician should not only demand respect but should know how to respect in return. It is truly important for an attending doctor to establish a credible reputation while being humble and friendly.
Dedication
A dedicated doctor knows his purpose in life and he should be passionate to be able to achieve this purpose. He should have strong work ethics and believes that every patient deserves the best attention from a physician. He should be not be after the big salaries and other perks that physicians enjoy but should be inspired with every opportunity to treat people.