Dr Jean-Francois Benard 2016-02-05 Person 4 5 0

Too often reviews are prompted by unhappy reviewers so I thinks it's important to praise when due. I've attended Dr Bernard's current practice for many years. As with all surgeries, it's a mixed bag, depending upon the individual doctor seen. However, I've found Dr Benard stands out from the crowd. His interpersonal skills are very good - friendly, attentive, responsive and displaying care. And he manages to maintain this under pressure. I always like a professional who is knowledgeable, but, at the same time, prepared to acknowledge when they don't know something and will look into it further. Much better that than the 'bluff their way' approach of many. As a patient who does my best to be informed and knowledgeable about my medical and health circumstances, I've found many doctors become uncomfortable at being questioned and do their best not to admit weaknesses in their knowledge, even simply getting it wrong. In contrast, because Dr Bernard will honestly admit if it's something outside his comfort zone, he instills greater confidence that he will get to the root of a problem. (As an aside, another Dr at the practice was keen to get me to take statins against my will. I asked her about alternatives and what about niacin as a supplement. She became uncomfortable and said it was impossible know all the medications out there. So, she appeared not to know that niacin is vitamin B3 and long known to improve cholesterol profile and reduce triglycerides) So, very pleased with Dr Barnard and he has become my first choice in the scramble to book an appointment. I have a feeling a lot of people feel as I do about him.