All doctors are humans—they are not perfect, and (chances are) you may already have had at least one bad experience with the qualities of a good doctor. As a patient, you have the right to leave a doctor that you do not like and find another more suitable one.
There are some extreme cases where doctors are plagued by greed and practice bad ethics. However, there are also more subtle instances in which doctors may appear to be doing their job but fail to provide the best patient care possible. As you look for a good doctor,
Here are nine specific qualities of an excellent doctor to seek out.
1. Respectful
Your doctor should not disrespect your concerns or your lack of knowledge about a subject; they should be able to patiently, holistically, and reasonably explain conditions and treatments.
At the same time, while the education and training that doctors undergo are intensive and highly respectable, doctors should not exude an arrogant attitude. The way a doctor interacts with nurses and other employees may also indicate how the doctor typically treats patients.
2. Calm
Patients are often nervous and anxious at the doctor’s office, especially when confronted with an unknown or painful condition. Therefore, a doctor should not get too excited and increase the patient’s nervousness. Instead, the doctor should present information without too much emotion, avoiding the extremes of communication (including sugarcoating or over-dramatizing terrible news).
3. Supportive
Not only should the medical professional be supportive of the patient, but they should also be supportive of the patient’s family, providing advice and encouragement along the way. Familial conflicts are natural when a significant health concern arises, and the doctor should be empathetic towards both parties. However, a doctor needs to advocate and want the best for the patient.
4. Mindful of their knowledge
While years of undergraduate studies, graduate school, and hands-on training prepares doctors for their occupation, they should be aware of the limits of their background—science is constantly evolving, and medical training can never fully prepare someone for the endless possibilities of unforeseen medical cases.
Additionally, the qualities of a good doctor should be able to acknowledge that they too are susceptible to error as a result of human nature.
5. Good listener
Find a doctor who listens to both the concerns of the patient and the patient’s family. Frequently, concerned loved ones will seek out information independently to empower themselves with understanding and come up with questions to raise to the doctor.
Families and patients may not have the same medical background and can misinterpret their research; at the same time, however, doctors should avoid quickly discrediting the study and knowledge of the patients.
Qualities of a good doctor should also be aware of the patient’s desires and opinions about decisions. By genuinely listening to the patient, the doctor will empathize and see the patient’s point of view, empowering them to communicate as effectively and as considerately as possible ultimately.
6. Reassuring
Especially in emergency cases, patients may experience a significant amount of fear due to their confusion. Therefore, doctors need to reassure their patients and assuage fears, not by promising good outcomes but by offering clear explanations of what’s to come and making promises to do their best.
7. Genuine
While being a doctor is a profession, doctors should be genuinely interested in their field and genuinely interested in the patient. Pay attention to a doctor who remembers your name or medical condition and a small fact about yourself.
You may come across several doctors who attempt to make small talk, but very few remember their patients’ conversations and unique stories.
8. Honest
Honesty is the key to building a solid foundation in the relationship between a doctor and a patient. As mentioned, doctors should not sugarcoat diagnoses but should communicate truthfully.
Qualities of a good doctor should also honestly express their predictions or their lack thereof; medicine is extensive, and doctors should not artificially manufacture a prognosis.
9. It makes you feel comfortable
Finally, you should be able to confide in your doctor and openly express your concerns without the fear of judgment. The qualities of a good doctor will not make you feel bad about yourself or make you feel like you have to do something that violates your values. Furthermore, it would help if you trusted that your doctor will honor the doctor-patient confidentiality code and respect your privacy.
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