General practice is more than treating your medical issues. I’m also keen to know you as a person, with aspirations, hobbies and bucket lists to complete. I am ‘nosy’ about your life in general, as I believe understanding your social situations and past negative experiences help me to determine how best to navigate your complex care, or cope with uncertainties. Particularly when the diagnosis is unclear or outcome is less than desirable, I would walk the journey with you.

“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.” – Patch Adams

I have purposely scheduled unavailable slots throughout the day as buffer to be on time for your appointment. Mostly, you could be waiting between 0-15 mins.

In rare occasions that I took longer to get to you is likely because previous patient was (unexpectedly) a complex case which is time sensitive to formulate a plan, ‘squeezed’ me with multiple issues with a short appointment slot, requested their accompanying family members to be seen (preferably not when we’re already behind), or arrived late for the appointment.

I might kindly decline your request to be considerate to others in the waiting room.

*Telehealth* - I might ring you earlier or later than the scheduled time to facilitate my above time commitment to patients in the busy waiting area, as you are more likely to be at the comfort of your home/office. Thank you for your kind understanding. =)

Realistically, we might not always get the diagnosis right on the first consultation, or have alleviated your symptoms with the first line treatment we proposed. I would really like to know, so that I could keep trying for you.

Sometimes we revisit the history, re-examine you, oragnise advanced imaging, discuss your case with other GP colleagues for ideas, or ring my friendly specialist colleagues for advice, with your consent of course.

Some medical condition also takes time to reveal itself, and unfortunately, most chronic conditions worsen overtime despite our best effort. Come back to annoy me , as we could explore on other evidence-based treatments that might work for you.

The whole world is short staffed, and I do not want to lose anymore trained receptionist or clinic nurses due to abusive language or behaviour. I would have no choice but to terminate our doctor-patient relationship if my colleague feel disrespected, unsafe or threatened.

Tips to get earlier appointment / things done by the reception team, be extra nice to them, and they will go the extra mile for you =) #humannature