"How do I find a 'good' specialist?"

"How do I find a 'good' specialist?" As a doctor, this is the question I am asked most frequently. Whether it’s for a cardiologist, an orthopedician, or a fellow neurologist, everyone wants the "best." But how do you actually measure a doctor’s quality? Most people look at the wrong things, or things they simply can’t verify. Here is a breakdown of what matters, what doesn't, and what is usually hidden. 1. The "Hidden" Metrics (The Black Box) We often wish we knew a doctor's NEET rankings, MBBS marks, or specific awards won during training. While these show academic brilliance, this data is rarely in the public domain. Similarly, success rates and the exact number of procedures performed are hard to find. These are "nice to haves," but you likely won't find them on a website. 2. The "Visible" Stats Years of experience is the one thing almost everyone knows. It’s a solid baseline, but remember: 30 years of experience doing the same thing poorly isn't better than 10 years of staying at the cutting edge of science. 3. The "Social Proof" Trap Google Reviews: Proceed with caution. Fake reviews (both glowing and bitter) are everywhere. Word-of-Mouth: This is the gold standard. A recommendation from a patient who had a similar condition is worth ten 5-star Google ratings. 4. The "Proxy" Metrics (Do they equal quality?) High Fees: Does a higher consultation fee mean a better doctor? Not necessarily. It often just reflects the hospital's overhead or the doctor's seniority. Long Wait Times: A crowded OPD might mean the doctor is popular, but it can also mean they are overbooked and rushed. Appointment Difficulty: Sometimes the "best" doctor is just the one with the best marketing. 5. The Real "Gold Standard": The Consultation This is where you truly find out if a doctor is right for you. A great specialist is defined by: Listening: Do they let you finish your sentences? Explaining: Can they explain your diagnosis without using jargon? Time: Do they spend enough time to address your concerns, or are they looking at the door? Access: Are they reachable in an emergency? While not every doctor can give out a personal cell number, having a clear channel for follow-ups is a huge green flag. ✅The Bottom Line: A degree from a top college and 20 years of experience gets a doctor in the door, but communication, empathy, and the ability to listen are what make them a great physician. How do you decide which doctor to trust? Dr Sudhir Kumar