In the medical profession, academic achievements and medical knowledge are essential. But in addition to that, you need many interpersonal skills or soft skills which will help you in a big way to become successful physicians.
Soft skills are those habits, qualities and attitudes that make you a well-rounded professional.
Soft skills are helpful, not only in taking good care of your patients, but also yourself, given the stress and pressure associated with the profession. Soft skills can help in bettering the relationship with patients and the staff.
Here are some of the top soft skills that you must start practicing to make your mark in the medical field:
Compassion and Empathy
In today’s times, patients wish to consult those doctors who have ears for them and can advocate for them. So you must have to listen to them and try to understand their condition from their perspective. Asking them to explain how they feel and how they are being affected by their disease or symptom will help. Empathize with their difficulties and communicate it. This builds trust and long-lasting relationships.
Communication
Strong communication skills are important for effective healthcare, be it with coworkers, patients or their families. Concepts should be explained in such a way that the other person understands it and is comfortable to ask for clarity. Proper communication within a team ensures a positive outcome. Communication must be efficient and clear verbally and in writing. Good communication ensures efficient follow-up by patients.
Receptive Attitude
You should understand that you don’t know everything. With so many advances in medicine, procedures and technology, there can be a gap in your knowledge.
You should continuously ask for feedback on your performance from your superiors while completing coursework or participating in student activities and implement them. Handle criticism with ease and make necessary changes. Develop self-awareness to acknowledge what you don’t know and try out the best ways to keep learning.
Time Management
As a physician you will have to balance multiple priorities like seeing patients, following up on test results, research, completing documentation and also your personal obligations.
In order to coordinate all these activities and work efficiently, you need to inculcate time management skills. Prioritizing responsibilities and ability to focus is key.
Teamwork
Doctors have to work together in coordination with other staff to ensure adequate care for the patients. Collaboration with team members is essential, taking into consideration the perspectives of all. The strengths of team members must be utilized to achieve goals. Collective knowledge is more effective. So, valuing each member is extremely important.
Positive Attitude
Positive outlook is a very useful soft skill in healthcare, amidst the demands of the job, patient consultations, and stress of teamwork. You will have to take a break under strenuous situations and practice a positive attitude.
Work Ethic
It is the set of values followed at work no matter what the circumstances, like professionalism, punctuality, time management, overall attitude and behaviour. Due to long working hours, a strong work ethic is required. It will drive you towards success.
Leadership
Doctors are required to make several important decisions related to patients and administration. You will have to lead your team, a department or your own clinical practice. You also may have to organize events like health camps, seminars, workshops, conferences etc. When leading your team, you must encourage discussions and feedback and also give adequate support and feedback to the team members.
Stress management
The medical profession involves a lot of pressure as lives are at stake. Proper stress management techniques need to be adopted to avoid burnout. A break is vital during highly stressful conditions. Exercise regularly, eat well, and have enough sleep.
Confidence
You must be confident about your skills and exhibit at work. It will have a positive effect on patients and they will have trust in you and will follow your advice. Your confidence will reflect on your team and a confident team is bound tol perform well.
Flexibility
In the medical field, things change every day. You may have to attend a demanding patient for a longer time or your peers may ask you to pick up a shift. So, you may not be able to stick to a routine. Learn to accept the challenges and be adaptable.to handle the changing environments.
Attention to details
In this field, people’s lives are on the line. You cannot afford a mistake. In cases of emergency, amidst all the distractions, it might be difficult to focus on what you are doing. So you will have to pay close attention to details.
Some soft skills may be easy for you. Some may need practice. Keep up your skills and always strive to improve them. When you become adept both in hard and soft skills, then there is nothing that will stop you from becoming the most loved and respected doctor. Practice the noble profession with confidence!
