<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today's episode of</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Qualys</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is from podcast</span> <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/ama01/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">#04 – AMA #1: alcohol, best lab tests, wearables, finding the right doc, racing, and more</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Qualys</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a subscriber-exclusive podcast, released Tuesday through Friday, and published exclusively on our private, subscriber-only podcast feed.</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Qualys</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is short-hand for "qualifying round," which are typically the fastest laps driven in a race car</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">—</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">done before the race to determine starting position on the grid for race day.</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">T</span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">he Qualys</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">are short (i.e., "fast"), typically less than ten minutes, and highlight the best questions, topics, and tactics discussed on</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Drive</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Occasionally, we will also release an episode on the main podcast feed for non-subscribers, which is what you are listening to now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more:</span> <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/qualys/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/qualys/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Subscribe to receive access to all episodes of</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Qualys</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">(and other exclusive subscriber-only content):</span> <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Connect with Peter on</span> <a href="http://facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dFacebook"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">|</span> <a href="http://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dTwitter"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">|</span> <a href="http://instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD%5dInstagram"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Choose Doctor by Four Pillars
When selecting a physician, consider four broad pillars: Availability (access), Affability (getting along), Ability (competence), and Advocacy (navigating the system), understanding that it’s challenging to find all in one person.
2. Prioritize Doctor’s Ability
Always prioritize a doctor’s ability and competence above all else, as it is the single most important factor, and do not let affability overshadow true medical skill.
3. Assess Doctor’s Current Knowledge
Inquire about a doctor’s clinical busyness and the time they spend reading medical literature to gauge their curiosity and passion for continuous learning, which is crucial for staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
4. Doctor’s Reaction as Litmus Test
Use a doctor’s reaction to your questions as a litmus test; if they are put off or intimidated by a curious patient actively involved in their health, they are not the right doctor for you.
5. Be Persistent in Doctor Search
Do not be afraid for the doctor-finding process to take a while; if you are not satisfied with a physician after a few months, continue searching until you find the right fit.
6. Seek Referrals from Trusted Doctors
Obtain referrals from doctors you highly respect and trust, as their recommendations for other physicians can be very valuable.
7. Avoid Condescending Doctors
Do not choose a doctor who talks down to you or preaches commandments, as a good relationship requires effective communication and mutual respect.
8. Explicitly Ask About Advocacy
Directly ask prospective doctors about their role as an advocate, specifically how they help patients navigate the healthcare system and connect with specialists during critical times.
9. Evaluate Doctors Individually
Evaluate physicians based on their individual merits and competence rather than relying on labels like ‘functional medicine’ or affiliations with specific organizations.
10. Avoid Buzzwords in Questions
When questioning doctors about their practices, avoid buzzwords like ’evidence-based medicine,’ as such questions are unlikely to yield genuine insights into their approach.