Are older doctors better than young ones?
Are you thinking that maybe your doctor is too old, and you want one who’s been trained more recently? Think again. Actually, older doctors with a heavy caseload do not have an increase in patient deaths. Older doctors have knowledge that can only be gained through experience. They can’t rest on that knowledge, though, and must keep up with the rapid changes that come with new research and technology. The importance of continuing education is critical. For those physicians older than 60 and younger than 40, there is a 1% increase in death which translates into one additional loss for every 77 patients admitted to the hospital. The research tells us that age should not be the primary factor in selecting your doctor. One of the most important elements in your relationship should be how well you and your doctor communicate. If you don’t have that connection, move on.
