Dr . Richard Styles , Medical Director AMC Group
Dr Richard Styles is a Physician with 40 years of experience as a doctor during which time he was active in the development of medical standards in the UK . He is Medical Director of American Medical Centers and is responsible for the development and quality of care in five medical centers across Ukraine and Georgia .
AAs a Medical Director of a Clinic providing healthcare in Ukraine and Georgia I am sometimes asked by potential clients what they should look for in an International Clinic and in providing good healthcare for themselves and their families . What clients look for are also the quality issues that we try to deliver .
Perhaps this question can be easily answered by saying that they should choose a comprehensive service that is delivered in either their native language or more commonly in English . I choose English not because it is my own language but because nearly all medical information and up to date guidelines are available in English , and doctors working in such an environment should be able to provide international care to the highest standards .
A comprehensive service is not just about the medicine practiced . Like a good hotel , patients need an intelligent reception staff who can administer appointments but also deal efficiently with emergencies and have both protocols and training to work with ill and often scared patients . Providing good reception services helps to create an atmosphere in which patients can prepare for their consultations .
The most important features of good doctors are those that have a strong commitment to their own education and to being able to communicate with , and listen to , patients from many differing cultures . Patients should look for a service that provides them continuity and teamwork rather than a single physician they like . Accessibility is also important and they should look for doctors who have good administrative skills , so they are quickly made aware of their results and future care . The clinic that they choose should have a carefully selected network of specialists , laboratories and imaging clinics . Again these should have some English language skills and are chosen for their own quality of care , reporting and accessibility . A comprehensive and holistic service is also important with doctors who can co-ordinate care across a large range of specialities and who have international contacts for referral . The clinic should be able to provide flexible vaccination programmes for children that fit into their own national programmes , as this is important when children return to school .
Emergency care is important and patients should look for evidence of equipment and protocols for dealing with common emergencies . International medical care often needs to reference and communicate with the patient ’ s home doctor and it is important that all reports , laboratory results and imaging can be in English and exist in an electronic format . The clinic should have experience in such communications , report writing and collation of results . The clinic should have working knowledge and experience of casualty evacuation procedures and how to co-ordinate these .
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