Bridging gap with trust: Family doctors bring more Chinese to health management

BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Wu Guixia goes to the same consulting room in Desheng Community Health Service Center in Xicheng District, Beijing, nearly every month.

Wu, 60, pays her monthly visit to Gao Fengjuan, who is a general practitioner (GP) at the community health service center. She has been Wu's family doctor for about three years.

"Dr. Gao patiently listens to my problems, clearly explains how to take my medicine, and keeps track of my health. It makes me feel at ease," said Wu.

Wu is one of about 600 of Gao's patients. Gao is supported by experienced doctors from a nearby major hospital, a nurse and a pharmacist.

Gao's practice was set up in 2012. It is now one of seven in Desheng Community Health Service Center.

In overcrowded major hospitals, doctors are often too busy to fully connect with patients. But in community health service centers, with less patients, family doctors have more time for each visit.

"We family doctors pay attention to not only residents' diseases or symptoms but also their general health status," Gao said.

This holistic approach means that rather than simply "treating diseases," Gao uses the power of communication, and connection, to track the health and mental well-being of her patients.

"The customers talk with me about their life status, families and share their experiences with me," Gao said, "It is this relationship between patients and doctors that I value the most."

BRIDGING GAP