You should endeavour to do your best in all things that you do, but it’s true that this sentiment is more important for some things than others. If you’re a doctor, for instance, then there are real-world benefits to delivering your best work. The good news is that it’s nearly always possible to improve in the medical world in one way or another. If you’re committed to doing your best for your patients, then there are plenty of ways that you can get there! In this blog, we’re going to run through some of the tried and tested methods. Take all of them on board, and you’ll be well on your way towards being the best doctor that you can be!

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Improve Communication

You have all (well, most) of the information you need to make informed decisions in your head. The problem is that your patients aren’t in your head. They won’t be able to know what you think unless you can communicate your thoughts to them. Learning how to communicate well can resolve a lot of issues that might otherwise create big problems. Remember that being a good communicator also means listening. A patient will typically walk you to the diagnosis if they’re just given an opportunity to explain.

Interpersonal Skills

A similar theme to your communication skills is your interpersonal skills. It’s all good and well explaining the diagnosis and other matters in crystal clear language, but if you’re not explaining things in a caring way, then it won’t count for anywhere near as much. Patients want to feel cared for — their time in the hospital, after all, will not be their idea of a good time. You’ve got a job to do, and you can’t sit around all day listening to a patient’s concerns, but it’s worthwhile keeping in mind that a little bit of empathy can go a long way.

On the Right Side of Justice

The world isn’t always automatically just. It needs people to step up and make it so. There aren’t as many professions that compare with the medical field when it comes to justice and fairness. After all, if someone is injured or falls ill, and it’s not their fault, then a medical professional will often be required to support their case. Could you work with expert meso attorneys to provide medical input? These types of tasks fall outside of your fundamental job duties, but it’s an important aspect of being a good doctor. 

Carry on Learning

When you agree to become a doctor, you’re essentially subscribing to a lifetime of education. Or you should be, at least. The knowledge you have when you leave medical school will not be the same knowledge that is required several years down the line. As part of your job, you’ll likely be sent on courses and training days. But the best doctors take it upon themselves to go beyond the minimum and to really dive deep into new information and ways of working. It’s what sets the great doctors apart from the good doctors. As with most fields, you’ll always be rewarded if you commit yourself to learn.

Find a Mentor 

You’ll hope to know everything about being a good doctor by the time you retire. The problem is that you could do with having some of that information during your career, not when it’s drawing to a close. But did you know that there’s another way to get those pearls of wisdom that you normally only get through experience? It’s called getting a mentor, and it can be highly useful. When you’re at a juncture or have a work-related issue, you’ll be able to simply call upon your mentor, and get some useful words of advice. Most professionals are happy to be a mentor to someone if they’re asked! So look at identifying who yours might be, and then make your approach.

Humble Approach 

Doctors are broadly great, but if there’s one criticism that’s put their way that can often be true, it’s that they can be a little arrogant from time to time. It’s normal to see why this would be the case, but that doesn’t necessarily make it acceptable. One of the best qualities that doctors can have — in fact, that all humans can have — is humility. No one knows everything, of course, so it’s best to really live with that assumption. There’ll be times to act decisively, but it’s always best to allow space for some other opinions to be heard first.