Traits That Doctors Need to Have
As a doctor, you must possess certain qualities that encourage and gain the trust of patients. After all, people come to the doctor in the hope that he will alleviate their pain and suffering, so to hold a degree is just not enough. There are certain traits that every doctor should possess that will earn this trust and respect from the patient.
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Bedside Manner and Communication
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The primary thing a patient looks for in a doctor is a good bedside manner. A pleasing personality coupled with good communications skills endears a doctor more to the patient, apart from her qualifications and skills as a physician. Trusting the doctor with your life and health far exceeds the need for just good academic qualifications. The ability of the doctor to communicate with the patient, taking into account his level of understanding, is also of importance.
Patient Confidentiality and Concern
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A doctor should primarily have respect for the life of all individuals. The need to maintain confidentiality of patient information is the key to a doctor-patient rapport. The need to protect and promote a patient's health is a must. Working within your core competency and putting the patient's health above all are important. In diagnosing a person's condition, the doctor has to have the ability to listen to the patient, working with her to arrive at the best possible way she can maintain her health.
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Honesty, Integrity and Care
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A doctor should be honest with his patients and act without prejudice when he feels that the treatment being given is not the right one for a patient. If the doctor feels that the patient's condition warrants treatment from a specialist, he should have the integrity to tell the patient so and refer him to a specialist. The patient's health is of utmost importance, and there is no room for prejudice, discrimination and abuse in the profession.
Stand by the Hippocratic Oath
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All doctors are made to take the Hippocratic Oath, and in practice each doctor should follow this oath. A doctor must find the right balance between ethical practice and moral values, combined with a pleasant disposition and bedside manner, to gain the patient's trust and work with him to maintain and improve his health.
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References
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