A Preliminary Study for Exploring the Attributes of being a "Good Doctor".
- Author:
Young Mee LEE
1
;
Duck Sun AHN
Author Information
1. Department of Medical Education, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Good Doctor;
Attributes
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Education, Medical;
Empathy;
Focus Groups;
Humans;
Physicians, Primary Care;
Students, Medical
- From:Korean Journal of Medical Education
2007;19(4):313-323
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Our understanding of the characteristics that make a 'good doctor' is continually changing. The aim of this study is to identify the attributes deemed important for being a 'good doctor' and to examine to what extent doctors actually possess them. METHODS: A list of characteristics of a good doctor was generated from literature review and from opinions from medical education experts, a focus group of medical students and a pilot survey of patients. An inventory comprising 33 statements was administered to 598 medical students, 145 faculty, 164 primary care physicians and 85 patients. RESULTS: All participants regarded 'accurate diagnosis and treatment' as the most important attribute for being a 'good doctor' and 'keeping up-to-date' as the second important attribute. Empathy towards patients, continuing professional development (CPD), kind manners towards patients were also regarded as important. There was a discrepancy between perceived importance and competency in the areas of communication skills, health advocacy and social contribution according to the participating groups. CONCLUSION: Excellence in clinical ability was identified as the most important attribute of a 'good doctor'. Compassion and CPD were also identified as important characteristics. More sophisticated studies are needed to further explore the attributes of a 'good doctor' for our society.
