Lots of excellent comments here. I want to second Froggy88 and TA's ideas even though they may be uncomfortable - they are on the subject of class, and those of us who are Americans hate the whole idea. That doesn't mean it's not real.

When you meet a doctor for the first time, very quick sizing up happens on both sides. Anything you can do to establish yourself as an intelligent, well informed person, but without too many preconceptions and able to listen to reason will be good. A professional image does help with most doctors too, as awful as that is - if you don't know how to project that (clothes are only part of it), you may have to work harder at the relationship. Class is so unfair.

Change of subject: as many have said, as a patient, I haven't gone to med school and don't have the experience - I expect the doctor to have reasons for wanting to do things he or she may not be able to articulate perfectly. (Like when Dave's doc wanted to submit his biopsy for a genetic test based on a gut feeling.)

What I DO expect is that they will try to explain even when (especially when!) the reasons are not easily explainable. I feel empowered when there is an honest attempt to share as much knowledge as possible. It doesn't mean I'm going to automatically believe them, or do what they suggest. Things are complicated, and doctors get stuff wrong all the time.

Reality is not particularly empowering. But a relationship with a doctor can be.

-- Carolyn

Excellent topic, and well thought out responses! Thank you.

I consider myself an informed consumer, and health care is more important than anything else I "consume". I look for a physician who will engage with me on my problem. He doesn't have to be my friend, but there should be mutual respect. He should listen carefully and respond in kind. If he doesn't know, then just say so. I don't expect him to be a miracle worker, but rather a professional in all aspects of his business. I also believe there's nothing wrong in firing your doctor if the relationship isn't working.

The kind of physician I like welcomes an empowered patient.

I believe it incumbent upon a PCP to at least try to "empower" the patient. This would also go for specialists.
"PSA what's that?" In my case my PCP tested for PSA for 6 years while watching a rise from 1.7 to 3.3 without once even discussing PSA or PCa with me to insure I knew what was up. Then at PSA 3.3 she neither tested again nor talked with me concerning not testing again. 3 1/2 years later another Dr. at the same facility with the same lab tested and I had 6.47. All I can say is "thanks alot".