How to Tell if Your Family Doctor was a Med-School Slacker

Have you ever heard someone say, "When I grow up, I want to be a family doctor?" You probably haven't. You probably heard people say they wanted to be surgeons, radiologists, dermatologists, or podiatrists. But how many of you really have heard of people dreaming of becoming a family doctor? Well, many family doctors may have just been med-school slackers. That basically means that medical schoolteachers just aren't too willing to give the all-night partiers the OK to go on to the surgery room.

In med school, you've got to get really good grades to be a specialist. And if med school students don't get the best grades, they may just end up being your next family doctor. Of course, that's not always the case. Some people probably actually do have dreams of being a family doctor. But here's how to tell if your family doctor was a med-school slacker.

You doctor doesn't seem to like his or her job.

If your doctor isn't too friendly, he or she probably isn't in love with the idea of being a family doctor. Med schools don't weed out the people who aren't passionate. But a med school will definitely let those with bad grades know where they stand. So, if your doctor seems to lack the joy that comes with being a doctor, you may want to think about how he or she did in med school.

Your doctors always on leave

If your doctor is never in the office because of family emergencies or what have you, that kind of behavior may be a habit from past med school days of skipping class. And sure, there are always legitimate emergencies, but one too many and you need to start asking some questions.

Your doctor makes a lot of jokes and doesn't seem to take your aches, pains, etc seriously.

It's good to lighten the mood, but let's face it, some doctors just don't seem to get it: You are really concerned about whatever's been going on with your body lately. And you don't think it's funny. This isn't med school lunch break. This is your health. So pay attention to a doctor who's always got a joke up his or her sleeve.

Here's what you can do to make sure you don't get a med school slacker. Call your potential doctor and conduct a little interview. Ask the question, "So, have you always wanted to be a family doctor?" and see what answer you get back. Whatever you decide, remember, your health may be at stake. You want someone who really likes their profession, not someone who got there as a punishment for slacking in med school. It's just something to think about.