Taking these extra measures is important, she elaborates, to avoid making incorrect diagnoses.īeing a good communicator is critical not only for working with patients but also for relaying information across the health care system. “That may require extra research, reaching out to colleagues, or taking more time to gather a detailed history from the patient,” Dr. When presented with befuddling symptoms, a good doctor should allow their inherent curiosity to lead them to an accurate diagnosis, even if it means tapping into additional resources. “The patient isn't just a list of medical problems and medications,” Dr. “Caring can be in the form of active listening and asking open-ended questions.” This doesn’t need to be limited to the reason for the visit, either. Edna Ma, an anesthesiologist at 90210 Surgery Medical Center. “Patients care more that their doctor actually cares for them than how many papers they've published,” says Dr. 'The patient isn't just a list of medical problems and medications.' A good doctor knows how to make a patient feel as though they are being cared for, that their concerns are valid, and that they are being heard. Patients don’t care about their physician’s medical school grades or other accolades-they want to feel that they are in good hands. Good doctors are empathetic and make patients feel cared for “She must be vigilant about following up on any tests that are done and communicating those results.”ģ. “A doctor needs to make sure that her patients get recommended screening tests, that their questions are answered, and that patients have a clear plan of action upon leaving her office,” says Dr. And for good reason - one can’t succeed in medicine without presence of mind and being vigilant about details.

Good doctors are organized and conscientiousĬhildren are taught from a young age to practice organization in order to be successful in school. And they should help their patients feel empowered to improve their own health.”Ģ. “They should be honest but also offer hope, even when a situation is difficult. “They should answer questions using language that is clear without using too much medical terminology,” says Dr. It’s also one of the most vital doctor skills because it helps physicians to understand their patients’ concerns and explain a diagnosis.

'Being a good listener is critical to being a good doctor.'Īfter all, good communication isn’t just for being friendly with patients. “Patients will tell you what’s wrong if you just let them speak.” George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine. John Madden, an Emergency Physician and Director of the Office of Career Guidance and Student Development at St. “Being a good listener is critical to being a good doctor,” says Dr. Learn about the lesser-known characteristics the best doctors share. Being a great physician requires more than high exam scores and knowledge of medical terms.

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