Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

Evaluating Vital Traits of the Ideal Physician According to healthecareers.com, employers evaluate “8 Vital Traits of the Ideal Physician.” (4) A physician exhibiting these qualities is sure to build a long and successful doctor-patient relationship. In the end, the patient will be much healthier and happier, while the physician is rewarded with knowing they are taking care of their patient’s needs. Be prepared for employers who ask questions to evaluate whether the candidate possesses these vital traits of a successful physician. 1. COMMUNICATION Communication is an important part of any clinical practice. The job of a physician requires great communication skills especially when it comes to speaking and listening. The way in which a physician communicates information to a patient is just as important as the information being communicated. Patients who understand their doctors are more likely to admit their healthproblems, understand their treatment options, adjust their unhealthy patterns and obediently follow their medication schedules. 2. EMPATHETIC It’s important to understand and relate to a patient’s feelings. According to a study published in Academic Medicine , patients of physicians who were more empathic were more likely to have good control over their blood sugar, while the converse was true for patients whose physician showed little to no empathy. This research suggests that when doctors respond empathetically at appropriate times, their patients tend to be happier and more motivated to stay on treatment 3. PASSIONATE No patient wants to walk into a doctor’s office and see a physician who no longer cares about their practice. A patient wants to see a doctor’s sincere desire to practice medicine and a genuine passion in helping others. Passion is a trait that will set you apart from being an ordinary doctor to be a patient’s “favorite doctor.” 4. FORTHRIGHT Patients want a physician who is forthright with all of their health information in layman’s terms. When a patient feels that their doctor is straightforward with all the facts, it allows them to make educated decisions about their health care that could impact their life and well-being. 5. PROFESSIONAL Professionalism isn’t clearlydefined in thedictionary, but in the medical field it is generally accepted as acting with appropriate demeanor and respect and possessing proficiency to perform the job. A doctor who is professional is compelled to always put the patient’s well-being above their own self-interests. A patient will have greater trust and confidence in a doctor’s abilities when their visits are conducted with good manners and respect. The Interview 247 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM