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What are some skills and strengths to have when wanting a career in the medical field?
#career #career-advice #future #career-development
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Erik’s Answer
Hi Zemira,
That is a great question, and a common one at that.
In order to get into the medical field, you first have to make it through college, medical school etc.
These objectives will be quite intense to overcome. The skills and strengths that I would recommend working on would be :
1. Time management- if you cannot balance your time and tasks, a burnout will be imminent; no-one can achieve anything while burned out.
2. adaptability- some days you will find your workload quite manageable, and some weeks you will barely have any time to do anything except for study. Situations like these are quite common in graduate/medical schools, and there is no way around them. Being able to adapt to stressors like these is very crucial.
and to keep the list short, I will share one more: discipline.
Discipline really helped me in my life, especially when it came to studying. As I said above, the medical field will require you to sit long hours and study. This means several hours a day will be dedicated to just studying. This requires great discipline and focus. I am not saying that you cannot take quick breaks to avoid burning out, but at the end of the day, it will take a lot to study for long periods of time.
I hope this answer helps,
Sincerely,
Erik Melekh.
That is a great question, and a common one at that.
In order to get into the medical field, you first have to make it through college, medical school etc.
These objectives will be quite intense to overcome. The skills and strengths that I would recommend working on would be :
1. Time management- if you cannot balance your time and tasks, a burnout will be imminent; no-one can achieve anything while burned out.
2. adaptability- some days you will find your workload quite manageable, and some weeks you will barely have any time to do anything except for study. Situations like these are quite common in graduate/medical schools, and there is no way around them. Being able to adapt to stressors like these is very crucial.
and to keep the list short, I will share one more: discipline.
Discipline really helped me in my life, especially when it came to studying. As I said above, the medical field will require you to sit long hours and study. This means several hours a day will be dedicated to just studying. This requires great discipline and focus. I am not saying that you cannot take quick breaks to avoid burning out, but at the end of the day, it will take a lot to study for long periods of time.
I hope this answer helps,
Sincerely,
Erik Melekh.
Thank you!
Zemira
Updated
Fola’s Answer
Hi Zemira - I am not in the medical profession but my brother-in-law is, so I directed your question to him. Here is his response:
"Medicine is more than just a profession. Some people say it's a calling. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a calling, but it certainly requires a lifelong devotion to learning and caring (for people and their well being).
So with that in mind, these are some skills and strengths I think a person who wants a career in the medical field should have:
1. A healthy dose of empathy. The ability to put oneself in someone else's shoes makes for an excellent health care worker. Because when you understand the patient's perspective of his/her suffering and show this understanding, it makes it easier to find a shared path to healing for the person.
2. Self-motivated and studious: A career in healthcare requires significant hours of studying. From the start of your journey as an undergrad through the entirety of your professional life, the art of healing requires consistent, unrelenting study. This requires the ability to spend long hours poring through texts and journals
3. A keen observant mind:
4. The ability to communicate. (This can be learnt)"
I hope this helps. Wishing you all the very best!
Fola.
"Medicine is more than just a profession. Some people say it's a calling. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a calling, but it certainly requires a lifelong devotion to learning and caring (for people and their well being).
So with that in mind, these are some skills and strengths I think a person who wants a career in the medical field should have:
1. A healthy dose of empathy. The ability to put oneself in someone else's shoes makes for an excellent health care worker. Because when you understand the patient's perspective of his/her suffering and show this understanding, it makes it easier to find a shared path to healing for the person.
2. Self-motivated and studious: A career in healthcare requires significant hours of studying. From the start of your journey as an undergrad through the entirety of your professional life, the art of healing requires consistent, unrelenting study. This requires the ability to spend long hours poring through texts and journals
3. A keen observant mind:
4. The ability to communicate. (This can be learnt)"
I hope this helps. Wishing you all the very best!
Fola.
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Hi Zemira,
I am part of the medical industry by working for a pharmaceutical company which is a slightly different perspective. I am working as a process engineer and went to school for chemical and biomedical engineering. I agree with the previous answers. Time management is going to be very important. you may find yourself working on a lot of different projects at the same time and need to be able to prioritize you work. I would add to the list motivation to what you decide to pursue. Having a passion for the industry will help you overcome some of the challenges you may face throughout school and your career. My motivation has always been to have the ability to improve someone's life. With this goal at the end I am able to motivate myself to keep going even when things are tough.
From a technical standpoint, I think you want to have good writing and communication skills and an analytical mindset. You will need to analyze many things to come to conclusions in any area of the medical field. The writing and communication will help you to convey these conclusions to patients, coworkers, etc.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Marissa
I am part of the medical industry by working for a pharmaceutical company which is a slightly different perspective. I am working as a process engineer and went to school for chemical and biomedical engineering. I agree with the previous answers. Time management is going to be very important. you may find yourself working on a lot of different projects at the same time and need to be able to prioritize you work. I would add to the list motivation to what you decide to pursue. Having a passion for the industry will help you overcome some of the challenges you may face throughout school and your career. My motivation has always been to have the ability to improve someone's life. With this goal at the end I am able to motivate myself to keep going even when things are tough.
From a technical standpoint, I think you want to have good writing and communication skills and an analytical mindset. You will need to analyze many things to come to conclusions in any area of the medical field. The writing and communication will help you to convey these conclusions to patients, coworkers, etc.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Marissa
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Zemira,
Key Skills and Strengths for a Thriving Medical Career
To truly thrive in the challenging yet rewarding medical profession, one needs to cultivate a unique blend of skills and strengths. Here are some indispensable attributes that can pave the way for a successful career in the medical field:
1. Exceptional Communication Skills: In the medical world, effective communication is a linchpin. It's vital for healthcare workers to interact seamlessly with patients, their families, and fellow healthcare providers. Clear, empathetic dialogue fosters trust, aids in understanding patient needs, and promotes effective teamwork.
2. Sharp Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: Medical professionals frequently face intricate situations demanding prompt, sound decisions. The capacity to scrutinize information, weigh options, and make informed decisions is key to delivering top-notch care and ensuring patient safety.
3. Meticulous Attention to Detail: In healthcare, even minor errors can lead to major repercussions. Precise attention to detail is crucial for accurate patient documentation, correct treatment administration, and strict adherence to protocols to avoid mistakes.
4. Deep Empathy and Compassion: Healthcare providers must exhibit empathy and compassion towards patients undergoing physical or emotional distress. Such kindness and understanding can significantly influence patient outcomes and their satisfaction with the care received.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: The medical field is a dynamic, fast-paced arena, continually evolving with advancements in technology, treatments, and protocols. Being adaptable to new challenges and resilient in adversity is essential for flourishing in this ever-changing environment.
6. Strong Teamwork Skills: Cooperation is a cornerstone of healthcare delivery. Medical professionals should excel at working as part of a team, respecting diverse viewpoints, communicating transparently, and contributing their expertise towards shared objectives.
7. Unwavering Ethical Integrity: High ethical standards are non-negotiable in the medical field, where decisions often carry weighty ethical implications. Upholding integrity, honesty, and professionalism is vital for gaining trust and preserving the principles of patient-centered care.
8. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of technical skills pertinent to one's specific role in healthcare is crucial for safe, effective care delivery. Continual learning and staying abreast of medical technology advancements are vital for professional development.
By honing these skills and strengths, one can boost their proficiency as a healthcare professional and contribute significantly to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical science.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Medical Association (AMA): As a premier organization representing US physicians, the AMA offers invaluable insights into the skills and qualities necessary for a successful medical career.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): As a prestigious biomedical research agency, the NIH provides evidence-based data on the competencies needed for healthcare and medical careers.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC, committed to transforming health through medical education, research, and patient care, provides guidance on preparing for medical careers.
These sources have been invaluable in offering accurate, reliable information on the skills and strengths required for those aspiring to a career in the medical field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Key Skills and Strengths for a Thriving Medical Career
To truly thrive in the challenging yet rewarding medical profession, one needs to cultivate a unique blend of skills and strengths. Here are some indispensable attributes that can pave the way for a successful career in the medical field:
1. Exceptional Communication Skills: In the medical world, effective communication is a linchpin. It's vital for healthcare workers to interact seamlessly with patients, their families, and fellow healthcare providers. Clear, empathetic dialogue fosters trust, aids in understanding patient needs, and promotes effective teamwork.
2. Sharp Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: Medical professionals frequently face intricate situations demanding prompt, sound decisions. The capacity to scrutinize information, weigh options, and make informed decisions is key to delivering top-notch care and ensuring patient safety.
3. Meticulous Attention to Detail: In healthcare, even minor errors can lead to major repercussions. Precise attention to detail is crucial for accurate patient documentation, correct treatment administration, and strict adherence to protocols to avoid mistakes.
4. Deep Empathy and Compassion: Healthcare providers must exhibit empathy and compassion towards patients undergoing physical or emotional distress. Such kindness and understanding can significantly influence patient outcomes and their satisfaction with the care received.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: The medical field is a dynamic, fast-paced arena, continually evolving with advancements in technology, treatments, and protocols. Being adaptable to new challenges and resilient in adversity is essential for flourishing in this ever-changing environment.
6. Strong Teamwork Skills: Cooperation is a cornerstone of healthcare delivery. Medical professionals should excel at working as part of a team, respecting diverse viewpoints, communicating transparently, and contributing their expertise towards shared objectives.
7. Unwavering Ethical Integrity: High ethical standards are non-negotiable in the medical field, where decisions often carry weighty ethical implications. Upholding integrity, honesty, and professionalism is vital for gaining trust and preserving the principles of patient-centered care.
8. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of technical skills pertinent to one's specific role in healthcare is crucial for safe, effective care delivery. Continual learning and staying abreast of medical technology advancements are vital for professional development.
By honing these skills and strengths, one can boost their proficiency as a healthcare professional and contribute significantly to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical science.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Medical Association (AMA): As a premier organization representing US physicians, the AMA offers invaluable insights into the skills and qualities necessary for a successful medical career.
National Institutes of Health (NIH): As a prestigious biomedical research agency, the NIH provides evidence-based data on the competencies needed for healthcare and medical careers.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC, committed to transforming health through medical education, research, and patient care, provides guidance on preparing for medical careers.
These sources have been invaluable in offering accurate, reliable information on the skills and strengths required for those aspiring to a career in the medical field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Greetings and salutations! My name is Samuel Colis Achiles. I am a recent graduate from California State University Dominguez Hills, majoring in kinesiology. While my field of study is more or less similar, there are several aspects of medical studies that kinesiology can offer.
First, you learn interpersonal skills. In courses regarding kinesiology, you engage in several mock therapy sessions for lab. This way, you can learn how to develop interpersonal relationships with your clients, and how to properly communicate and address the issues at hand.
Second, you learn several sciences. Several major subjects in kinesiology focus on chemistry, biology, physiology, and anatomy. That way, you can learn different aspects of the field all at once.
Third, while practicing therapy, you learn how to adapt to circumstances, and perhaps, you will learn something along the way. The bottom line is to pursue your career with humility.
That is all the advice I have. I hope this helps!
First, you learn interpersonal skills. In courses regarding kinesiology, you engage in several mock therapy sessions for lab. This way, you can learn how to develop interpersonal relationships with your clients, and how to properly communicate and address the issues at hand.
Second, you learn several sciences. Several major subjects in kinesiology focus on chemistry, biology, physiology, and anatomy. That way, you can learn different aspects of the field all at once.
Third, while practicing therapy, you learn how to adapt to circumstances, and perhaps, you will learn something along the way. The bottom line is to pursue your career with humility.
That is all the advice I have. I hope this helps!
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