Top Docs 2008 Part III: Why to Speak Up

Role Call
To better communicate with your doctor, it helps to figure out what kind you’ve got.

The Emotional Healer
Archetype: Meredith Grey
Bedside manner: Wise, warm
Pros: Sees you as a “human being” first, patient second
Cons: May be distracted by a personal life messier than a pile of used bedpans

The Genius Curmudgeon
Archetype: Gregory House
Bedside manner: Manipulative, arrogant
Pros: His methods may be unorthodox, but he gets results
Cons: So hostile you’re afraid to get a checkup—or even call his office

The Lovable Teddy Bear
Archetype: Julius Hibbert
Bedside manner: Relaxed, jolly
Pros: From broken bones to exploding kidneys, can handle any problem with a smile
Cons: Inappropriate giggling skeeves you out of your johnny

The No-Nonsense Medic
Archetype: Leonard McCoy
Bedside manner: Caring but hotheaded
Pros: Adept at saving lives when the nearest hospital is very, very far away
Cons: Probably not in your HMO network

The By-the-Bootstraps G.P.
Archetype: Michaela Quinn
Bedside manner: Plucky, resourceful
Pros: Great at treating grocer’s itch and the staggers
Cons: Not up on latest medical technology; tends to forgo second opinions