I've never really thought of 'choosing' a doctor. I've mostly just gone with who I've been assigned to either by life (ie a doctor who delivered my sister), by the clinic (ended up with a great one that way), or, in one case someone at a clinic I was already going to who a friend had a good experience with. In terms of a psychiatrist, there is no element of choice, the waiting lists can be long and I just went with who I was recommended to and told had space. So far I've found the opposite of Shoshin actually and have preferred the psychiatrist to non-medically trained therapists. I haven't been pushed drugs and have appreciated his knowledge of the links between mind and body.

What I've found and liked are people who listen and take me seriously (I'm not a hypochondriac if I go to the dr there is something wrong), who are amenable to being asked questions (very important!) and who are kind to me and treat me as a person.

Pet peeves: doctors who don't heat their offices sufficiently where I need to be naked for a physical exams - I shouldn't have to be shivering in addition to being uncomfortable!