Pursuing a career in medicine is a daunting task. Not only are there so many educational requirements that take years to complete, but also, if you wish to go into a specialized area of medicine, then you could be facing even more time in order to become fully qualified. Moreover, the lifestyle of a physician is one that demands quite a lot emotionally and mentally.
Needless to say, it takes a very special and particular type of person to become a physician. They must possess certain distinguishable qualities and have a natural predisposition for the work. That being said, a career as a doctor is one of the most respected and rewarding career paths that you can possibly take.
Here are four reasons why you might make an excellent doctor.
1) You Love to Learn
It is no secret that the road to becoming a doctor is a long and arduous one. Not only must you begin with an applicable undergraduate degree from a four-year university, but then you will spend another four years or so in medical school. After you earn your M.D., then you must enter into a residency program, the length of which will depend on your specialty focus. This can take anywhere from three to seven years.
Only upon completion of a residency program will you then be a fully qualified physician ready to practice medicine. This does not, however, mark the end of your education. Physicians must earn a set amount of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in order to legally maintain a medical license. These requirements are set by the state board in which a physician is licensed.
CME credits can be earned by attending medical conferences or seminars, or by enrolling in courses taught by medical training experts, such as Empire Medical Training. The overall goal of such credits is to keep all practicing physicians up-to-date and current on new medical advancements. So, in a nutshell, if you truly love to learn, then you might make an excellent doctor.
2) You Are a Good Communicator
One of the top qualities of an excellent doctor is being a good communicator. There are times when being a physician means that you have to deliver tough or difficult news to a patient. Such tasks require a good bedside manner based on compassion and empathy, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
From a practical standpoint, doctors must be capable of communicating well with those around them. Working as a physician often means working as a part of a team. More often than not, physicians find themselves being the leaders of such teams. If you are unable to communicate with nurses, technicians, and fellow doctors, then the consequences could be dire.
3) You Have the Heart of an Advocate
A physician is the number one advocate for a patient. This can mean many different things to different people, but ultimately, as a doctor, you must be ready and willing to assist your patients as they navigate the often-confusing world of healthcare. It is up to you to be the one to get your patient exactly what he or she needs, whether that comes down to certain tests or particular medications.
Healthcare can be a controversial world. There seems to be a never-ending struggle between affordable healthcare and quality healthcare. While it sounds like both of those things should work harmoniously, they all too often do not. At the end of the day, though, the most important thing is that a patient receives everything that they need to be well. As a physician, one of your main jobs is to do all in your power to make that a reality.
4) You Take Organization Very Seriously
Because there are so many moving parts when it comes to the healthcare of a patient, one of the top qualities of excellent doctors is the ability to meticulously organize. Not only will you be faced with a hectic schedule most of the time, but keeping all the members of your team on track will come down to your ability to stay organized.
Moreover, everything that a student must do in order to become a qualified doctor demands a large amount of organization. From classes and lectures to examinations and clinicals, there are so many things that medical students must be able to organize when it comes to their education. Such an organization serves to set students up for a lifetime, but if you already have this quality, then you will be ahead of the curve when it comes to your quest to become an excellent physician.
