WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR
Family Physician
Have you ever experienced “ Hand on the Doorknob ” syndrome ?
If you have seen a physician who failed to fully enter the room , do not go back . That is not how a relationship is built . Family Medicine is about relationships . Your office visit does not have to be long , but it must be about you .
The following list reflects the core values of Family Medicine . Regardless of how your physician is paid , whether by the government , insurance , or concierge cash , you should always expect the highest standards of care . These high standards were developed by the generations of primary care physicians that served before us . It is the history of this great profession that elevates it , not the type of insurance .
Your family physician should sit down , make eye contact , and ask you how you are doing . You are here for a reason , and your concern should be the focus of your physician ’ s attention . You deserve an answer to your question , and no question is off limits .
This relationship is about building trust . These few minutes , a few times each year , could become some of the most important moments of your life . Your physician should never judge you . This relationship is not about good or evil , it is not about right or wrong . Healthcare is about defining what is helpful or harmful , and the gray zones in between . Your physician must be brutally honest with you , and you must never lie .
Privacy has been , and remains , the foundation of the physician-patient relationship . This honor of confidentiality allows discussions of any topic , revelations of any secret , and enables healing . Your family physician will bring years of training into every office visit . Before entering practice , a board-certified family physician has completed four years of medical school , followed by three more years of post-graduate training , and an intense certification examination . Family physicians also commit to a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education every year for as long as they practice .
Expect to hear your physician say , “ I don ’ t know ”. Those are words of confidence and experience . Primary care is a humble profession , reminded daily that the more we learn , the less we know . Don ’ t be surprised by a referral to another physician . Medical care is often best with a team , and your family physician knows the best consultants .
Your physician should be respectful of your time , making every effort to be punctual . Of course , there will be exceptions . The breadth of unpredictable issues that occur every day in family medicine is epic . Real life happens . The next patient who needs extra time might be you . Please know that your patience is appreciated , and your physician should always tell you so .
You should expect your body and your feelings to be respected . You set the boundaries . If anything makes you uncomfortable , speak up immediately . Expect a chaperone during any exam of your private areas , and you decide what is private . This mutual respect protects both you and your physician .
One final expectation : You should expect to care for your family physician , just as your physician cares for you . Your personal physician is a treasure , a trusted resource , and a stable foundation in your rapidly changing world . Your physician has dedicated a lifetime for this relationship , and wants you to never forget it is about you .
GUY L . CULPEPPER , MD
18 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
Dr . Culpepper has led Bent Tree Family Physicians for 34 years , growing from a solo practice into a successful group of 7 MD ’ s and 13 mid-level providers , in North Dallas and Frisco . Bent Tree Family Physicians is a nationally recognized primary care practice that blends the traditions of personalized healthcare with the latest medical science and technology .
Dr . Culpepper co-founded Jefferson Physician Group ( JPG ), where he has served as CEO for 26 years . JPG is a group of over 500 practitioners dedicated to improving North Texas healthcare and to protecting the innovation of independent medical practices .
Dr . Culpepper has demonstrated leadership at every level of his career , from serving as Chief Resident during his training at U . T . Southwestern Medical School , to becoming the Chief of Staff and Founding Chair of the Family Medicine Department for THR Presbyterian Hospital .
He has served on the Board of Trustees for Medical City Hospital Plano and Frisco , in addition to the Foundation Board of the Dallas County Community College District .
His unique passion for healthcare has been rewarded with multiple honors , including 29 consecutive years as “ Best Doctor ” in D Magazine , and 18 consecutive years as “ Top Doctor ” in Texas Monthly .
Dr . Culpepper believes that the strength of America ’ s healthcare comes from independent physicians , and he has dedicated his life to protecting the physician ’ s role as the leaders of patient advocacy . Livingwell TOP DOCS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
2022