One forgets that being a successful doctor includes a measure of patient loyalty. Except in some cases (let’s say, the uber specialist who will only report to and interact with the primary doctor, or some who will only do a one time service and follow-up,) doctors need to be able to satisfy their patients sufficiently, so they trust, comprehend, follow directions, and return, over time.
That’s not chitchat (or as we say, being “your new best friend.”) It’s a refection of mutual respect and understanding what makes the interaction successful, beyond the science.