4 virtues for a great physician
Excellence The first measure of a great physician is excellence. Physicians need to have medical knowledge that can be recalled at a moment’s notice. Excellence should include the accuracy of diagnostic methods, the appropriateness of approach, and the effectiveness of proven clinical decision-making principles. Compassion A great physician enters this profession with a love for humanity. Individual doctors serve their patients by assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, and through rehabilitation and habilitation, palliation, health promotion, and disease prevention. However, medicine is more than procedures and physicians are more than purveyors of technology. Compassion is fundamental to the relationship between the patient and the doctor. Compassion is one of the most important attributes of a successful doctor. Patients often experience anxiety and stress along with their pain or illness and need to feel that their practitioner is empathetic to their issues and dedicate...