Our oldest granddaughter, Bristol, may require surgery on a knee. There was a time when the name Brock Schnebel would immediately be mentioned. Now that he has retired, there are many competent choices for second opinions.

An article in the Wall Street Journal asked the question: Do Younger or Older Doctors Get Better Results? The authors of the article believe that “A physician’s effectiveness has less to do with age than with how many patients they see and how well they keep up to date on new research.”

Specialist appointments require a referral so it makes sense that your family doctor will want you to see the person with outstanding credentials and a record of success. Good bedside manners are a bonus, but the relationship needs to be professional more than personal. They may be a great person, but give me a great surgeon! Research has shown that if patients can choose, they base their choices on bedside manner, perceived expertise, and responsiveness.

If you are hospitalized, chances are you don’t get a choice. A hospitalist will treat you, care coming from whomever is on duty. Statistics are telling. Doctors under 40 have an average of 4.9 years of practice while those over 60, 28.6. Older doctors are more likely to be male and gender is important to some patients.

Consulting Scribner, he said he preferred younger doctors whose desks were cluttered with medical journals while older physicians had pictures of their yachts. That may just be a “Jim” thing!