What makes a good doctor?

The ideals of medicine, as the moral practice, have transformed into a business-oriented practice, thereby demeaning medicine. Hence it is crucial to have more good doctors. All doctors have similar skills and knowledge, but good doctors stand out for their humanness. Diverse people had responded to a debate on what makes a good doctor alludes to personal qualities prominently than proficiency in knowledge and skills. A good doctor is equipped with virtues, skills, and knowledge, essential for his profession.

The foundation; consists of genuine virtues. A good doctor forbids iniquities, and boldly advocates for quality healthcare for his patients. He loves his profession and finds joy in treating the sick which strengthens him to cling to his commitment to lifelong service. Studies show that most physicians believe that religious virtues play a significant influence on patients’ health by offering positivity. A good doctor’s relationship with God is unbreakable. His compassion impels him to reach out to the sick; he entices patients’ trust through gracious words which are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the body. Dr. Abhijit Sonawanae is an example of a humane doctor; he reaches out to the sick beggars, treats them for free, and empowers them to earn a living by other means. He has helped transition 37 senior citizens from beggers to proprietors.

Secondly, a good doctor consists of core clinical skills. He can serve long hours, under pressure, in any environment. He manages his stress to peacefully perform the treatment after visualizing and reevaluating. He learns from his faults and upgrades himself. The strongest predictor of medical negligence is poor communication. Healthy communication entails the exchange of honest information between a doctor and a patient in a cure and care aligned way. He mentors his colleagues without appearing overbearing and works cooperatively with his team. He has good time management skills. He diagnoses patients effectively in less time, complete a large amount of administrative paperwork, and looks after his family and himself; thereby strengthening bonds and preventing potential burnout.

Thirdly, a good doctor consists of comprehensive medical knowledge. During his medical training, he has diligently completed human sciences studies, researches, exams, and resident training. This equips him with information in various fields in general, and broad in his specialization. He constantly acquires information and has a strong urge to challenge the impossible and find discoveries that revolutionize medicine. Dr. Edward Jenner has saved immeasurable lives by developing the vaccine for smallpox; the innovative research of Dr. Zora Janzekovic has saved numerous lives of burn victims; Dr. René Laënnec’s innovation of stethoscope has made auscultation efficient, and many such physicians have made great contributions and have alleviated today’s practitioners and peoples’ lives.

To summarize in short, patients value virtues, medical officials value knowledge and skills. Each structure of the human body has a unique way of helping, and all are equally important to us. Similarly, virtues, skills, and knowledge help in building up a good doctor; and passion acts as a catalyst.

By Carolyn Linda Grace Solomon