As providers, it’s easy to feel that we should know how to take care of ourselves and our own health (“doctor, heal thy self” being the common mantra that it is). But it’s not about what you do or don’t know, or how good of a provider you are to others. Providers need doctors too—here’s why.

Because I know how hard it can be to have a conversation with any new healthcare provider, I’m sharing my tips for how to talk to your doctor. These guidelines can make any provider-patient interaction just a little smoother, so you can have the opportunity to receive the consideration and care that you deserve.