Women's Dermatologic Society

By Dr. Miesha Merati “Availability, affability, and ability, in order of importance.” I remember the dermatologist who mentioned this to me as the cardinal rule of a successful practice. However, my experiences as an early career dermatologist taught me that the way you make patients feel is an essential underlying motif that determines a successful doctor-patient relationship. How many of us have faced a disgruntled patient after a tumultuous work day, filled with complicated cases and pure chaos? Now, how many of us are able to elate the patient when it seems like all odds are against us? Truly the latter is a skill that cannot be learned in a textbook and remains an attribute to what makes a physician simply outstanding in the patient’s eye. Patient satisfaction is essential for treatment outcomes, patient retention, physician reputation, medical malpractice, and nowadays, is even linked to reimbursement. A rushed doctor with shorter visits, less explanation, and fewer partn...

  By Dr. Miesha Merati Fifteen years ago, when most people did not own smart phones, the thought of writing an online review of a physician was absurd. Rightfully so, patients prefer compassionate, competent doctors at well-run clinics with a courteous staff. Yet, the instinct to read reviews for guidance intrudes upon the personal aspect of the doctor-patient relationship. Rather than the traditional reliance on suggestions from friends or colleagues, or a doctor’s experience and credentials, many patients prefer quick and accessible reviews. Online platforms like Yelp, ZocDoc, and Vitals allow patients to effortlessly showcase their experience with a doctor for public scrutiny. In some cases, these avenues may influence behavior and practice patterns for many clinicians. A practice’s online image may be the most burdensome liability or favorable asset to a clinic, especially in highly-saturated areas. Management of online presence is time-consuming and utilizes practice resou...