Introduction. The image of a doctor is an important and even a key element in building good relations with the patient. It can improve patient's trust in the doctor and ensure effective cooperation between the doctor and the patient. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the importance of appearance, way of being and communication of a doctor in relations with patients based on patient surveys. Material and methods. The research was conducted in the form of an anonymous questionnaire with 20 questions, among students of the Medical University of Gdańsk and patients of the University Medical Center of Medical University of Gdańsk who agreed to participate in the study. In total, 197 surveys were collected, including 148 women and 49 men aged 21-84. The survey concerned the negative, indifferent and positive impact on the patient of selected elements of the doctor's image (his appearance, manner of being and communication with the patient). Results. Obtained results regarding to appearance and behavior were divided into positive, neutral and negative features. Positive features in relation to appearance considered by respondents as very important were: neat clothing (87%) and in relation to behavior, cultural conversation (96%) and eye contact (90%). Indifferent features regarding to appearance according to respondents were: the presence of tattoos (70%), while the most common feature of behavior was handshake (48%). Negative features of appearance was smell of smoked cigarettes (89%), regarding to behavior were: chewing gum (75%), talking on the phone during the visit (73%). Conclusions. Some elements of the physician's appearance and behavior clearly had a positive and negative effect on patients and obtained results can surly improve the image of their professional contacts with patients.. Further research on larger group of patients will enable to explore this issue.

Key words: doctor's image, communication with patient.