You may sometimes feel compelled to also pass on some gifts to professional service providers, including doctors. Well, this may not seem odd at face value, but you need to take some factors into account before offering your doctor some gifts this season.
Doctors are bound by strict professional codes that guide their practices. One of the codes is to always maintain a professional doctor-patient relationship, and resist anything that may blur such a relationship. That's where professional fees for services rendered come in. You should never feel compelled to pay for any services in kind. The majority of doctors do not usually expect any gifts from patients. And they will not usually offer gifts to you either.
But what if you have an overriding urge to give your doctor some gift this season? Sit back and ask yourself why giving a gift is important to you. Did the doctor go out of their way, or were just rendering their service to you as they normally would? What kind of gift will you offer, and how much will it cost you? You must also consider the setting at which you will pass on the gift. It could be at your next clinic appointment, or by post, or through a third party. You are unlikely to know beforehand if your gift will be accepted.
Your doctor may be compelled by prevailing institutional guidelines to declare gifts beyond a certain value. Or as a matter of principle, may not accept any gifts at all from patients. Some will usually suggest that you pass on the gift to a deserving party instead, like a Children's Charity, for example.
To avoid feeling that your gift has been rejected, seek out some information before hand. Receptionists, nurses or other patients will tell you if offering a gift is acceptable. They will also tell you what kinds of gifts to give if at all, and of what value.
If you must give a gift, select something impersonal. Avoid anything that may be construed to be of sentimental value. Don't go for expensive stuff. You will always be better off if you do not personalise the gift to the doctor. Remember it's all team work.
Think of something that can be shared in the doctor's office by all the team members, like a box of chocolates, for example. Better still, don't buy any gifts at all. Just drop a thank-you card, with a simple message of good wishes. The principle should be an appreciation of services rendered. There are no expectations for you to offer any gifts to your doctors. If you must, keep it simple.