Choosing a Doctor

To start with I am young (27), generally healthy, and have no major health issues I'm aware of. I am a catastrophe adjuster which means I travel all over the country and make a good living.

For some time now I've been wanting to be more active in my healthcare, specifically nutrition and preventative care. I do not have a primary care physician currently and all three attempts to find one have been rather disappointing. I am no fan of what I see as symptom focused treatment and am more interested in the causes of my minor ailments than negation of annoying symptoms. The doctors I have met with have been quick to prescribe a myriad of pills to satisfy whatever discomforts I may suffer at the time with little to no attention to cause and very little in terms of diagnosis. While this may be suitable for some I am not so easily satisfied.

While I know there may be considerable costs involved I am determined to create a thorough preventative care regiment, something that can provide future doctors with a full understanding of my medical history in case of future ailments and hopefully detect any major issues early rather than waiting for symptoms to arise. However, I am no medical professional and have little idea of what this would entail.

In my case there are a few areas which I would like to have specific attention: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nutrition. I have a troubled history with the stomach, nothing major but routine discomfort for as long as I can remember. I have been a smoker for many years and recently quit so heart and lung condition is a priority. Lastly I have recently identified poor diet as a cause of routine bouts of mild depression. Aside from these, parasites are another concern due to a good deal of travel and adventurous eating, and of course cancer screenings. Lastly, I have an unusual indent in my lower spine which a masuese friend noticed.

You may think me a hypochondriac at this point but I doubt this is the case. Instead I am trying to be as aware of my body as possible as each small issue may signal improper care or condition which may lead to future health issues.

So, now that my disquisition is complete, here's my question: what advice would you give for locating and evaluating a doctor to determine who is best suited to provide the advanced level of preventative care I desire? I want a doctor who is as dissatisfied with the typical practitioner as I am. For the time being lets consider price as little object as well as location, I do work nationally after all. Any advice is appreciated and if you've read this far then your patience is as well.

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