To get the best from hard-pressed GPs, we need to make every minute with them count. But are we doing so? In a national survey, Reader's Digest asked Australia's doctors to give vent to their feelings and tell us what they'd really like to say to patients, but can't because of ethical or legal reasons - or good, old-fashioned manners. Our poll showed that despite the bad press GPs often receive, life can look very different on the other side of the examination table. "Most of my patients are considerate," said one respondent, "but some do make your life very unpleasant." Here are the eye-opening results of our exclusive survey:

And another thing . . .

More candid remarks that individual doctors told us they wish they could make:

Your health is your responsi-bility, not just mine.

Why are you back again?

Your child is overweight.

Please turn up for your appointments.

Do you really think I don't know you're a drug addict?

I am a person too.

Just because I am a female doesn't mean I want to do your pap smear.

Please don't use bad language.

Stop complaining about waiting. It's not like going to McDonald's.

Please control your children.

Go away. Sometimes my problems are worse than yours.

I shouldn't bulk bill you if you are not appreciative.

I don't like to do phone consultations.

We do make mistakes.

Tell me more.

Stop flirting with me.

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