Systems of medical and healthcare practices have existed among human societies since at least the dawn of recorded history. These systems have developed in various ways in different cultures and regions. Medicine as understood in the modern period has historically been considered to be the mainstream tradition which developed in the Western world since the early modern age.

Many other traditions of medicine and healthcare are still widely practiced throughout the world, most of which are still considered to be separate and distinct from Western medicine, also called biomedicine or the Hippocratic tradition. The most highly developed systems of medicine outside the Western system are the Ayurvedic tradition of India and traditional Chinese medicine.

Medical Doctors

Many people think that becoming a doctor is difficult. Others have some sense that becoming a physician takes many years and is expensive. Most people realize that being a physician is difficult yet rewarding. All these people are correct. Becoming a physician is a long, arduous, expensive process that can only be accomplished with great dedication.
The details of this process can be fascinating. For example, have you ever heard of the Scramble? How about the Match? Are you up on the AMCAS, AMCAS-E, or the NRMP? Can you tell me the difference between the SAT, MCAT, and the USMLE-1, USMLE-2, or USMLE-3? OK try this one - What's the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?

WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING a physician, who do you trust? We believe the best place to start is with other trustworthy physicians. And so, once again, that was our modus operandi in composing this year’s list of some of San Diego’s best doctors.

This is the second year San Diego Magazine has partnered with the San Diego County Medical Society to compile this prestigious list. Last year’s list comprised 247 physicians; this year, it’s up to 344 in 37 specialties. This is probably more a matter of improved and expanded polling than better doctors. In fact, even with a list of nearly 350 of the region’s finest physicians, we’re sure to have missed a few of the best —and likely to have made a few enemies by omission. If your doctor is absent, maybe we’ll catch up with him or her next year.
Meanwhile, the following advice from the Medical Society’s former communications chair, James Santiago Grisolia, bears repeating:
“Your quality of care depends on picking a doctor who listens to you and has a style that fits your personality and needs. That’s more important than any survey. Find a primary doctor who seems interested—who feels like he or she is working just for you. Then, when you need a surgeon or other specialty care, ask your primary doctor who he or she would pick for their own family.”
To your health!

The best time to find a doctor is when you don't need one! Ask your friends for recommendations. A good source of referrals can be nurses and other paramedical staff. If you have a friend who is a doctor, ask him for advice as well.
The yellow pages can be also be a useful source of possible names if you need to make a comprehensive list. Phone the doctors on your list. This might seem like a strange thing to be doing, but "telephone shopping" can provide you with a lot of useful information about the practice (such as office hours, fees, qualifications, hospital affiliations, special interests).

If the receptionist cannot provide this information, ask to speak to the doctor or his assistant (please do this at a convenient time, specify that you have been referred to him and need more information). Let your fingers do the walking! Finally, make an appointment to talk to the doctor in person and please be prepared to pay for this! If you find your doctor is helpful and has time to listen to you, then you are on the right track.
At this first consultation, not only does the doctor get to know your medical problems and examine you, but you also get to know a lot about the doctor and this initial assessment is important:

Are you comfortable with him or her?

Does he explain things properly?

Does he use teaching aids?

Does he ask for your views?

Often patients will stick to one doctor, even when they are not happy with him, simply because their family has been going to him for years (remember, doctors age too and he may not be as good as he once was!), or because "he knows my case" but don't hesitate to change doctors if necessary.