When you visit your GP, you want to feel heard and understood, not rushed or dismissed.
A good doctor listens carefully, asks the right questions, and makes sure you feel comfortable discussing your concerns. Then, they try to work with you to figure out the best path forward for your health and well-being. But how can you tell if they’re truly paying attention or just going through the motions to get you out of there ASAP? If these things happen during your appointment, it’s clear your GP really cares about what you’re saying and wants to address your concerns to the very best of their ability.
1. They make eye contact and engage with you.
A doctor who is really listening will look at you, not just their computer screen. While they may need to take notes, they should also be making eye contact and acknowledging what you’re saying. If they’re too focused on typing or glancing at the clock, it might be a sign that they’re not fully engaged. A good GP balances note-taking with genuine attention, making sure you feel like a person, not just a checklist item.
2. They don’t interrupt you mid-sentence.
A GP who listens will let you finish speaking before jumping in with their response. If they’re constantly cutting you off, they might be making assumptions rather than truly hearing your concerns. Medical appointments are short, but that doesn’t mean you should feel rushed. A good doctor knows that letting you fully explain your symptoms is crucial to giving you the right care.
3. They ask thoughtful follow-up questions.
When a GP is engaged, they won’t just nod and move on — they’ll ask questions that show they’re processing what you’ve said. They might ask for more details about your symptoms, lifestyle, or medical history to get a clearer picture. Generic responses like “Let’s keep an eye on it” without much discussion can be frustrating. A doctor who’s truly listening will want to dig deeper and understand what’s really going on.
4. They repeat key points back to you.
A good sign that your GP is listening is when they summarise what you’ve said. They might say, “So you’ve been experiencing headaches mainly in the evenings, and they’ve been getting worse over the last month?” This kind of response shows they’re actively listening and making sure they’ve understood correctly. It also gives you a chance to clarify anything they may have misinterpreted.
5. They acknowledge your concerns rather than dismissing them.
If your GP brushes off your symptoms with, “That’s just stress” or “It’s nothing to worry about,” without proper discussion, they might not be taking you seriously. Feeling dismissed can be frustrating, especially if you know something isn’t right. A doctor who listens will acknowledge your concerns and take them seriously. Even if they believe it’s nothing major, they’ll explain why and make sure you feel reassured rather than ignored.
6. They give you time to speak without rushing you.
It’s no secret that GP appointments are short, but you should never feel like you’re being hurried out the door. A good doctor will create space for you to talk, rather than making you feel like you need to wrap things up quickly. While they may need to keep things moving, they should still give you a chance to explain everything properly. A rushed appointment can lead to missed details and incomplete diagnoses.
7. They consider your symptoms rather than just looking at test results.
While medical tests are important, they don’t always tell the whole story. A GP who listens won’t just focus on blood test numbers or scan results — they’ll also take into account how you’re actually feeling. If you’re told everything is “fine” despite feeling unwell, it’s worth questioning whether your doctor is truly paying attention. A good GP will listen to your symptoms and explore possibilities beyond just the numbers.
8. They explain things in a way that makes sense to you.
A doctor who listens will make sure you understand what’s going on. If they use overly technical language without checking if you follow, they might not be fully considering your needs. They should take the time to explain things in simple terms, and if you seem confused, they should be happy to clarify. A great GP will want you to leave feeling informed and confident about your next steps.
9. They involve you in decision-making.
Healthcare should be a conversation, not a one-sided instruction. A good GP will ask for your input on treatment options, rather than just telling you what to do without discussion. If they explain the pros and cons of different choices and ask for your thoughts, it’s a sign they respect your role in your own health. Feeling involved in your care leads to better outcomes and a stronger doctor-patient relationship.
10. They take previous concerns into account.
If you’ve seen your GP for the same issue before, they should remember — or at least check their notes — to see what was discussed last time. A doctor who listens won’t act like it’s the first time they’re hearing about an ongoing issue. Brushing off previous concerns or failing to follow up properly can be frustrating. A good GP will take continuity of care seriously and build on past discussions rather than starting from scratch each time.
11. They don’t dismiss symptoms based on your age or appearance.
Some patients, especially younger people, find their symptoms are brushed off with comments like, “You’re too young for that,” or “It’s just part of getting older.” While age can be a factor in certain conditions, it shouldn’t be the only consideration.
A doctor who truly listens will investigate symptoms properly, regardless of whether you “look healthy.” Your concerns should be taken seriously based on what you’re experiencing, not assumptions about who usually gets what condition.
12. They make you feel heard and respected.
At the end of the day, the best sign of a good GP is how they make you feel. You should leave your appointment feeling heard, valued, and confident that your concerns were taken seriously. If you constantly feel dismissed, rushed, or like your doctor isn’t really listening, it might be time to consider finding a GP who truly prioritises patient care. The right doctor will listen, engage, and work with you to find solutions that actually make a difference.
