@carissadennery I identify as female and I had a male internal medicine physician for my primary care provider for many years. He always took his time with me, was up-to-date on the research that pertained to me, and listened to me. I did not realize how important this was until he retired I went through at least 3 different primary care providers until I found someone else who possessed many of the characteristics of the physician I had for so many years.

At my first appointment, I “interviewed” the physician and told him what was important to me and why I had left other practices. It was difficult for me to do that but I figured what did I have to lose? That was 4 years ago and he is still my doctor.

I suggest that you write down what is important to you when working with a primary care provider. Ask your friends and family who they see and if they work well with their PCP and what they like about their PCP. Each of us is different in what we expect from our PCP.

What do you think of my suggestions?