>I also think it's an issue that in places were this is a thing there's no way to know easily what doctors are capable of.

Apologies for my formatting, I don't know how to highlight what you've said. But I agree, my current Dr just happens to be the first person I saw when I moved back to this city. Turns out, my partner had her as a Dr and she left after feeling.. less than happy about her interest in patient health.

I feel the same about her, I've had some inner ear balance problems for the past 9 weeks straight and she essentially just told me to keep waiting, so I've had to go and organize a specialist appointment myself as it's affecting everything around me - soon as I start walking the world shifts and I feel like I'm toppling sideways. Not conducive to me being productive 2 months down the track!

BUT I am not too keen to leave the practice as I don't know if any other place will be any better. She at the very least knows my history.

Sorry, bit of a ramble, I'm a little bitter about how long I've had to wait only to take action myself - point being I agree with you.