Doctors - What Teens Want In A Healthcare Provider

Doctors – What Teens Want In A Healthcare Provider

Doctors are there for us for well-visits and to diagnose and treat any medical issues that do come up. To get the best medical care possible most people would agree that it is important to have a doctor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and who stays up to date with research and changes in the medical field. 

However, there are some special considerations for teens seeking out medical care. This is a time of life when specific bodily changes are going on and certain topics (such as topics related to puberty and sexual health) are likely to come up. It is also a time when it might feel particularly difficult to discuss sensitive topics such as sexual health that could easily feel embarrassing.

Given some of these special considerations, the staff of TeenHealthFX sat down with the members of our Teen Advisory Committee to discuss what teens want in a healthcare provider, and here is what they said they want to see in their doctors:

• Same sex. Having a doctor that is the same gender was at the top of this list for our TAC participants to increase comfort in discussing various sensitive health issues.
• A younger doctor. Members of our TAC felt that a younger doctor may feel more relatable – especially for topics related to sexual health.
• Someone with a relaxed personality who is easy to talk to.
• Someone who is relatable and does not sound like a medical textbook.
• Someone who takes the time to teach and explain.
• Someone who takes time with each patient and does not rush through appointments.
• A strong sense of interest and care for patients, as well as pride in their work.
• A person who is able to keep appropriate boundaries in order to maintain a sense of privacy for patients with sensitive questions or medical issues.
• Someone who will explain about confidentiality policies.
• Someone who will ask specific questions in case there is a topic the teen is too embarrassed to bring up him/herself.
• Someone who will ask if the patient has any questions for them, again, opening the door for any sensitive topics of questions to be put out on the table.

Many of our TAC participants did not know that there are adolescent medicine specialists. While most agreed that this might not be a quality or qualification that is absolutely necessary, they could all agree on the appeal of a doctor with this specialty. That said, FX wants our readers to know that adolescent medicine specialists do exist. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist. You can also contact your local teen health center or your insurance company for a list of in-network adolescent medicine specialists. Your primary care physician or local hospital may be able to refer you to an adolescent medicine specialist as well.