
- Decide what you think is important. Their education? The years of experience with your particular condition? Their research background? (which implies familiarity with latest treatments)? – and see who ticks the most boxes. Most of the information can be found online. The rest have to be addressed in person.
- Ask what their treatment style is. Share your wish-list of things you want to accomplish or goals you want to achieve even if they feel out of reach. Bring ideas for how you like to handle your condition instead of waiting for them to tell you.
- Watch how they react to you. Are your ideas well received or does the physician dismiss them? If the physician disagrees, how do they express that? Is it a discussion or a lecture?
- Pay attention to their non-verbal cues. I once knew a provider was going to be a good fit because of how she sat in her chair. She was slouching, which meant she was comfortable enough with herself to not stand on ceremony, even with a new patient. (I am a pretty informal person.)