For generations, people in the United States depended entirely on their local doctor for all their health-related needs. In small communities, physicians were deeply embedded in their patients’ lives. They knew families by name, understood personal health histories, and were familiar with the factors that shaped their patients’ well-being. However, as healthcare systems expanded and patient loads grew, this close-knit connection became rare. Today, doctors are often inundated with more patients than they can manage, leaving them with limited time to get to know individuals on a deeper level.
Because of this shift, many people still carry the outdated idea that a doctor holds all the knowledge when it comes to health and medicine, while the patient simply follows orders. There is certainly merit in trusting medical professionals and adhering to their advice, but what we now understand is that healthcare works best when patients actively contribute to their own care. Your doctor cannot fully help you unless they understand your values, your health goals, and what truly matters to you.
Your Role as the Expert of Your Own Lived Experience
When you visit the doctor, you bring something essential to the conversation: your lived experience. No one knows your body, your lifestyle, and your priorities better than you do. Self-efficacy—the belief in your ability to influence your own health outcomes—is key to ensuring that you receive care that aligns with your goals.
Your role in the doctor’s office is not passive; it is to guide the physician to provide care that works best for you. You are a partner in your healthcare, and your voice matters in shaping the treatment you receive. But how do you ensure that your doctor listens?
How to Advocate for Your Health Goals
- Clarify Your Goals Before the Appointment
- Take a few moments before your visit to identify your top health concerns and long-term goals. Are you looking to improve mobility? Reduce medication dependency? Focus on preventative care? Having a clear direction will help you communicate effectively.
- Start the Conversation with Your Priorities
- When your appointment begins, don’t wait for the doctor to dictate the agenda. Instead, start with: “Doctor, one of my biggest health goals is [your priority]. What are the best steps we can take together to achieve that?” This sets the tone for collaboration.
- Be Honest About Your Lifestyle and Challenges
- Medical advice is most effective when it fits into your real life. If a treatment plan doesn’t work with your routine, dietary preferences, or financial situation, say so. Your doctor can only tailor a plan for you if they have all the relevant information.
- Ask Questions and Seek Understanding
- If your doctor recommends a treatment or procedure, ask: “How does this align with my health goals? Are there alternatives that might work better for my lifestyle?” Being informed allows you to make empowered choices.
- Follow Up and Adjust as Needed
- Healthcare is an ongoing journey. If something isn’t working, revisit the conversation at your next appointment. Keep track of changes in symptoms or improvements and discuss them with your provider.
If Your Doctor Won’t Listen, Find One Who Will
A good doctor welcomes patient input and respects their goals. If your provider dismisses your concerns or isn’t willing to work collaboratively with you, it may be time to seek a physician who values shared decision-making. You deserve a healthcare experience that prioritizes not just treatment, but your overall well-being.
Your Health, Your Voice
Living out your health-related goals isn’t just about medical care—it’s about how you want to experience life. Whether you aim to stay active, manage a chronic condition, or simply feel your best every day, the key is recognizing your role as an active participant in your own healthcare. Next time you step into a doctor’s office, remember: you are the expert of your own life. Your doctor is there to support you—but you must lead the way.
