Young Women --- and a Doctor of Your Own

Medically and socially the late teens and early twenties can be difficult times for many young women. In order to make your next visit to your physician more productive, helpful and efficient, let me share some thoughts with you as a pediatrician and family physician.

• Make a real effort to establish yourself with your own physician, one who will get to know you personally as well as medically and will take a real interest in you as a person and not just as a patient. Long-term relationships pay off in understanding, compassion, and efficiency. (It seems we are always in a hurry, doesn't it?)
• Don't be afraid to check out a new physician's credentials such as medical school attended, residency education and specialty board certification. Look at the diplomas on the walls. Ask questions about hospital affiliations and night and weekend coverage. You are entitled to this information.
• If you have medical and immunization records, bring them with you to a new physician. If you have an established physician or medical "home" it is a good idea to have your own record of immunizations, allergies, and medications. Ask for a copy. You are entitled to it.
• Assure yourself of you physician's confidential relationship with you so that truth and trust are honored. Parents of teens must foster their daughter's (and son's) confidential, private, and trusting relationship with her/his physician.
• Be up front and honest about your sexuality, sexual orientation and your sexual partners, if any. Sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS can devastate your life. Risks can be minimized with the help of your physician, but abstinence is still the safest and surest way to avoid trouble. Also be honest with your doctor about drug and alcohol use and cigarette smoking. Your physician should be medically skillful, compassionate and non-judgmental.

William Mebane, Pediatrician and Family Physician
Clinical Profesor of Pediatrics and Family Medicine, Thomas Jefferson Univerity
Clinical Associate Professor, Family Practice and Community Medicine, Associated Faculty of University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

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Posted on: 7/3/2006