Doctor Shopping

I found the article discussing the database for doctors to be fascinating. This database, which lists doctors according to their stated race and sexual preference, allows patients to "shop" for a doctor with whom they would feel most comfortable. According to the article, people who see a doctor who mirrors their race and sexuality are more likely to see a visit to the doctor as a positive one. Although the ethical implications of shopping for a doctor based upon their race and sexual preference is somewhat suspect, perhaps even borderline prejudice, the fact that patients are leaving the doctor's office feeling better about the visit, and feeling more comfortable revealing information to a physician is a very good thing. This also means that (hopefully) the diagnosis of the doctor is more accurate given that the doctor has had more information presented to him or her. Unfortunately, as of yet there is no query which lists which doctor was highest ranked upon graduation from medical school, nor which has the fewest malpractice suits against them, or how long they have been in the business of practicing medicine, all of which is far more important than who or what they do in the privacy of their home! Perhaps the database will incorporate those queries into their search, so that people, like me, who care more about quality of care rather than someone's stated sexual preference or race, can find appropriate matches as well.