1Department of Medical Education, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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.
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