"The doctor will be right with you."

I have the perfect way for you to choose the right GP. This doesn't work for specialists because many of them are brilliant, but arrogant, and it often doesn't matter how nice they are. Anyway regarding the family doctor. Choose a man or woman who has lots of varied magazines in the waiting room. This shows that they are thoughtful of their patients, and if they have to keep them waiting, want them to be entertained. I can't tell you how many doctors I have seen that had no magazines, or only the boring trade magazines they got for free. This show they are inconsiderate, cheap bastard and are not likely to be any more thoughtful about your aches and pains than your waiting time. I've had a great GP for over ten years now, and he has lots and lots of magazines.