For more than twenty years, I have had the same primary care physician. When you keep the same doctor that long, something happens that goes well beyond medicine. He learns your medical history, your habits, your family, and your concerns. More importantly, he learns who you are. The relationship works both ways. Over the years, I also learned about him—his interests, his sense of humor, his opinions, and the way he approached medical problems. I came to understand not only what he recommended, but why he recommended it. That mutual understanding became an important part of the care I received. Our appointments weren’t just about blood pressure, prescriptions, or lab results. We talked about travel, writing, economics, family, how our activities were changing as we…