The French health system has an enviable reputation. Excellent doctors and advanced research - the French demand the best in health care. A World Health Organisation compared 191 different countries - France came out top.
More of us are seeking out French GPs to look after our ailments and general wellbeing. And this includes English people as well as expats. So just what is it about our Gallic cousins that we find them so trustworthy that we’re keen to handover our most precious commodity – our health, and that of our loved ones?
On the whole, it’s not unusual to feel more comfortable talking woman-to-woman about intimate gynaecological matters, after all, it’s generally accepted that women tend to be better listeners, are more nurturing, have emotional intelligence and are good communicators. But it seems the benefits go beyond approachability.
A large scale Harvard study found that patients cared for by female doctors were less likely to die or return to the hospital after discharge, than those looked after by their male counterparts. So female doctors are good for your health!
This is backed up by earlier research that showed that women doctors are more likely to follow recommendations about prevention counselling and to order preventative tests like Pap smears and mammograms.
Make this a female French doctor you’re seeing, and it takes health care to a whole new level. This is because the health system in France is geared up to providing women with a service that is more inclusive and tailored.
Médecins français : généralistes disponibles ici
French GPs are trained in a culture where the patient expects you to be willing to spend time with them, as a result doctors are often attentive and give thorough check-ups. This makes for a reassuring visit.
So whether you’re looking for advice on contraception, fertility, menopause or antenatal care, or want help with stress management, our doctors are equipped with a breadth of knowledge. And if needs be, they can prescribe medication or refer you for further tests or to a specialist, so you get the right treatment, and fast.
In the footsteps of the French
Our one-stop clinic is following in the innovative footsteps of the French, by putting emphasis on working intuitively and investing in preventative screening.
For instance, just a hop across the Channel, it’s understood what effects pregnancy and childbirth has on the pelvic floor, and that women having babies need to know about the importance of maintaining their pelvic floor muscles in order to ward off distressing incontinence later on.
That’s why in France the state fund 20 sessions of physiotherapy per woman to help tone and strengthen their weakened pelvic floor. This isn’t readily available on the NHS in the UK, and the problem isn’t always discussed.
While in the UK smear tests aren’t offered to women until the age of 25, in France it is common practise to start regular screening as a teenager, which increases the chances of early diagnosis and provides a safe environment in which to talk about sexual health.
Meet out French GPs
Dr Haïat treats a range of patients, with a special interest in nutritional therapy and women’s health.
After setting up her own practice in France, Dr Haïat moved to London four years ago where she continues to practice as a GP.
She has wide-ranging experience of patient care from acute to chronic conditions, as well as disease prevention.
Dr Deborah Haïat, says, “I pride myself on being an active listener. When it comes to patients, I endeavour to be as available and as approachable as possible. I always respond quickly to patient’s questions and problems.”
Dr Lebel graduated with a silver medal in Paris as a specialist in general practice. She has since moved to London where she works as a private GP. She is a family doctor and cares for patients with a holistic approach.
Her special interests are in preventative medicine, including heart health and immunisation, travel health, addictions and acute medicine.
Dr Marie Amelie Lebel, says, “I treat my patients by using a holistic approach and by using understanding and empathy. This is the key to good treatment and getting to the heart of health problems.”
Why go private?
Clinics located in central London, and our state-of-the art facilities mean that pathology, imaging and scanning is available onsite for quick results.
And you won’t have to wait to be seen, as we offer same day appointments. And there’ll be no rushing you out of the door, as our doctors allocate each patient 30 minutes to discuss their concerns. This can then be followed up with more cost-effective 15 minute appointments.
Our GPs offer:
- Make a quick diagnosis
- Write prescriptions
- Offer a follow up call free of charge for 24 hours following the GP’s visit
- Recommend additional treatment
- Make admissions to a private hospital
- Referrals to the best consultants in the UK
- Offer continuity of care at our clinic, 25 Harley Street
What does health screening involve?
- discussion of your family medical history
- a full examination
- urine tests
- ECG to measure your heartbeat
- blood tests
A plan for healthy living is then drawn up between you and your doctor, and further tests may be offered, which focus on the most common conditions.
Targeted health screening
It may be that you feel you have early symptoms of a condition, or worry that you are at risk of developing it due to a family history or lifestyle. If this is the case, your GP can offer tests that act as markers for specific conditions.
Such as for ovarian and breast cancers, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), to name a few.
A body scan
Our DEXA scanner can give you a detailed insight into your current and future health, as it calculates bone density highlighting risk of osteoporosis. It is also equipped with ‘Advanced Body Composition’ software to measure the amount of fat you have in your body, and a ‘Core Scan’ to see how much is of the visceral variety, which accumulates around important organs. This gives you the heads up as to lifestyle tweaks and nutritional advice that you may need to reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer rise.
The time of a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing an egg (ovum) on a monthly cycle, and her periods cease
Full medical glossary
