Becoming a doctor is no easy task. Not every individual can complete the rigorous schooling required to obtain proper doctoral degrees and licenses. However, school and tests aren’t everything when it comes to obtaining your medical degree. In order to be a great and successful doctor, you will want to possess qualities that make you a well-rounded, balanced and capable individual.
Be Committed
Success is best met with a commitment to your goals, much like how Rachel Tobin Yale dedicated herself to her studies and work. As you might be aware, becoming a doctor requires many years of school and some intensive residency programs. Don’t let the schooling intimidate you. If you are passionate about your calling and know you are committed not only to a career but to a lifestyle, then all of the hard work and effort will be worth it. When things get rough, remind yourself why you want to practice medicine. Staying committed and motivated can help combat the stress that comes along with becoming a doctor.
Listen Actively
In order to be a good doctor, you must be a good active listener. Your patients will be looking towards you for advice and they need to trust you. Ensure you are able to actively listen and thoroughly understand your patient’s concerns. Practice patience while listening. Conversations might be difficult and you will need to know how to remain honest and optimistic.
Communicate Clearly
In addition to understanding your patients, you need to make sure your patients understand you and your professional medical advice. Having clear communication skills will help you minimize any confusion and avoid having a patient disregard your advice. This is especially likely if your patient hasn’t had great experiences with doctors in the past. Be empathetic and show your patients you care about them individually.
Stay Organized
Mastering your time management and organizational skills will do wonders for your practice. Being a doctor requires lots of notes, records, labs and other detail-oriented work. Remain competent by paying close attention to detail and organizing your workload. Keep your workspaces neat and tidy. As a doctor, you will often be carrying a full plate. Nothing is worse than a full plate beside a messy, unorganized full plate.
These virtuous qualities are essential to the making of every great doctor. While every doctor will need to go through the same schooling and take the same tests, not every doctor can possess and master these characteristics. Have a greater impact on your patient’s lives and the medical community by exercising these upstanding attributes.