Lera
What kind of person must you be in order to succeed as a doctor?
I am considering going to medical school in the future, and I want to know if I have the necessary skills/traits to be successful on the job as well as enjoy working in this profession. #doctor #medicine #medical-school
9 answers
James Garza
James’s Answer
hi lera,
i graduated med school in 1993 and have been a family physician for 20 years.
your question is really difficult to answer, mainly because of all of the various facets of medicine. generally, i like Keith Sun's answer above. but i think i'm going to give you a slightly different view.
to me, the overarching trait of a doctor is the willingness to sacrifice.
it costs many years and dollars to obtain the education and training needed to become a doctor. it can be very easy to lose focus of the goal, to become enamored by other prospects, or to change personal priorities.
you're going to see others take much easier paths. envy and jealousy will seek to sway you from the path. you'll be tempted by other opportunities that seem brighter or other individuals who seem to have discovered an easier path to success.
the path gets progressively more difficult as you progress from college to med school to residency training and i've seen some leave that path at every one of those steps.
sometimes the distractions were personal such as relationships, drugs, alcohol, etc.
other times the distractions were financial, religious, academic, etc.
during the med school application process you're going to be asked repeatedly, in slightly different ways, why you want to pursue medicine. please, please, give this question your full attention ... now.
i encourage you to write down every reason why you want to be a doctor. be detailed. be reasoned. passionate. reread your answers over time and edit as needed.
there's a saying that a person can endure anything as long as they understand the reason why. i implore you to explore your own reasons. otherwise, you risk failure.
good luck!
Keith Sun, MA, NCC
Keith’s Answer
As a former pre-med student in college as well as a medical student in the recent past, I'd like to offer some helpful advice to your question. Skills-wise, being a doctor requires 1) the ability to solve complex problems, 2) the ability to remember large amounts of information, 3) the ability to empathize with a patient, and 4) an enjoyment of medical science. Traits-wise, being a doctor requires someone who has 1) high intellectual fortitude, 2) natural desire to learn, 3) strong passion for medicine, and 4) integrity of character.
Now, having said all that, different personality types are drawn to different medical specialties. If you are someone who absolutely desires regular long-term patient-provider relationships, Family Medicine or Internal Medicine may be something for you. If you are someone who thrives making decisions under enormous pressure, you may choose Emergency Medicine. If you are someone who loves working with their hands and being very methodical in finishing a task, you might choose Surgery. And so on.
Thank you!
Madison Buchman
Madison’s Answer
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
1) What type of person can get into medical school and thrive during it? Someone willing to work hard and make short term sacrifices for long term satisfaction. Getting in to medical school requires good grades in college. GPA's above 3.5 and preferably above 3.8 are the norm. Medical schools also want to see volunteering, research, and clinical shadowing on the application. Succeeding during med school requires long hours studying as well.
2) What type of person enjoys the practice of medicine? There is so much variability in specialties. From the people oriented specialties like family practice to the solitary pursuits of radiology and pathology; from the hands-on surgical subspecialties to the more cerebral field of psychiatry, any personality type can find a practice that fits their needs.
Estelle Archer
Estelle’s Answer
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Lera!
Here are some sites that will help answer that question. Best of luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhLgtTMTklQ
http://www.canadajobs.com/articles/viewarticle.cfm?ArticleID=1255
https://www.cma.ca/En/Pages/becoming-a-physician.aspx
Becoming a doctor can become a very long and fruitful journey!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
To succeed as a doctor, you must possess a unique combination of skills, traits, and personal qualities that set you apart from others. Here are some key characteristics that can help you excel in this demanding yet rewarding profession:
Strong Work Ethic: Doctors must be dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in the long hours required to excel in their field. This includes being willing to work night shifts, weekends, and holidays, as well as being available to their patients 24/7.
Excellent Communication Skills: Doctors must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They must be able to explain complex medical concepts in simple terms, listen actively, and be empathetic towards their patients’ needs.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Doctors must be able to analyze complex medical data, diagnose diseases accurately, and develop effective treatment plans. They must also be able to think critically and solve problems creatively.
Emotional Intelligence: Doctors must be able to manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of their patients and families. This includes being able to handle high-stress situations, provide emotional support, and maintain a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances.
Empathy and Compassion: Doctors must be able to understand and relate to their patients’ experiences and emotions. They must be compassionate, caring, and genuinely interested in helping their patients recover and improve their health.
Strong Attention to Detail: Doctors must be meticulous and thorough in their work, paying close attention to even the smallest details. This includes accurately recording patient information, ordering the right tests and medications, and keeping up-to-date with the latest medical research and technologies.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Doctors must be able to adapt quickly to new and changing situations, including advances in technology, changes in medical research, and shifting patient needs.
Leadership and Teamwork: Doctors must be able to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients. They must also be able to lead and motivate their teams, inspiring them to provide excellent care and achieve their goals.
Continuous Learning: Doctors must be committed to lifelong learning, staying up-to-date with the latest medical research, technologies, and best practices. They must be willing to attend conferences, read medical journals, and participate in ongoing education and training.
Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Doctors must be able to cope with the physical and emotional demands of their work, including dealing with difficult patients, long hours, and high-stress situations. They must be resilient and able to manage their own stress and well-being effectively.
In summary, to succeed as a doctor, you must possess a combination of strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion, attention to detail, adaptability and flexibility, leadership and teamwork skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and resilience and coping mechanisms. These qualities will help you excel in your career, provide the best possible care for your patients, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
“The Art of Medicine” by Dr. Thomas R. Lee. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the skills and qualities needed to excel in medicine, including communication, empathy, and critical thinking.
“The Doctor’s Dilemma: How to Become a Successful Physician” by Dr. Richard G. Frank. This book offers practical advice and insights on how to succeed as a doctor, including developing strong communication skills, building a strong work ethic, and managing stress.
“The Medical Professional’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence” by Dr. Jennifer L. Hunt. This book provides a comprehensive guide to emotional intelligence in medicine, including understanding your own emotions, managing stress, and improving your relationships with patients and colleagues.
GOD BLESS
JIM.
Blake H.
Blake’s Answer
I am not a doctor, but I can tell you what I value most in my visits with my doctors and that is care and compassion. You can tell when your doctor is actively engaged in your conversation.
Thanks,
Blake
