Is There a Doctor in the House?

I have finally decided that it is time for a new doctor. I have been unhappy with mine for a little while, but it seems like so much trouble to find a new one. My kids don't like our current doctor at all. Randy is usually fine with whatever, but his latest illness forced him to the doctor's and he had to see a partner. It didn't go well at all and even he is ready for a change.

I just hated the idea of having to start all over. I've been going to this office since I was married! That's quite a while! But something has to change. I like the nurses at our office, but I have problems with every one of the doctors. I know that no one is perfect, but there's the doctor who shoves a prescription at you and pushes you out the door, the doctor who thinks he knows everything, the doctor who fished a tongue depressor out of the trash to look down Randy's throat, the technician who is usually surly, the office personnel who think they are trained doctors themselves and don't mind discussing your symptoms with the whole waiting room. Yes, it's just a bunch of fun going to the doctor.

So here's my plea - help me find a new doctor. If you live in the area and love your doctor, tell me about him or her. And if you hate your doctor, tell me so that I can avoid him or her. If you don't live in the area, tell me what you looked for when you picked your doctor and what you wish you had looked for. I am just dragging my feet on this, but it's time to do something.

I will say that I had a great visit with the allergist. He listened! Shocking, yes? And took a complete history from me. And then he ordered some tests. And then he even answered all my questions! His name is Dr. Harris and he's great. The result of all those tests is that I have major hay fever factors (which I knew) and that's about it! I am NOT allergic to nuts, and very slightly allergic to soy, cats, and dogs - not enough to avoid any of those things, just enough to say, hm, how about that. So my family practice doctor's idea that my cats are to blame for all my hives and my hypothetical asthma that may come back at some point in the future are totally off.

So we still need a new regular doctor. Give me your suggestions, your complaints, anything!