What makes a good doctor?

If you’ve ever left a doctor’s practice feeling that your concerns weren’t taken seriously, you know why it’s important to find a good healthcare practitioner. But what, exactly, makes one doctor better than another?

That’s a complex question, according to Dr Karin van der Merwe – a general practitioner (GP) based in Craighall, Johannesburg – because being a ‘good’ doctor means so much more than having excellent diagnostic skills. At the same time, however, a GP obviously cannot rely on their bedside manner alone. “Your doctor definitely requires both technical and interpersonal skills,” says Karin.

Technically speaking

Any medical practitioner needs to be able to meet the technical requirements of the job – from being able to assess symptoms to interpreting lab results and administering treatments according to their specialty. But Karin points out that, since medicine is such a fast-moving field, it is completely acceptable for your doctor to admit that they need a little more time to come up with a conclusive diagnosis.

“Most doctors work hard to keep abreast of the latest developments. But a doctor who has their patient’s best interests at heart may also want to do specific research into the patient’s problem if they have some questions, rather than jumping to a diagnosis. I don’t hesitate to sometimes ask my patients for a bit more time so that I can thoroughly research their group of symptoms if I feel it’s necessary. Sometimes, my pre-existing knowledge combined with my reading on new findings give me more insight into the problem,” says Karin.

A passion for people

Aside from the ability to diagnose conditions, Karin says that listening is one of the most important skills a doctor can have. Your doctor should not make you feel rushed; on the contrary, you should feel as though they are giving you the time and space to voice your concerns without interrupting or imposing their own views. They should also consider your symptoms in context. “I try to get a holistic view of my patients, not only looking at what they are experiencing physically but also asking about what else is happening in their lives,” Karin explains.

Linked to this is the ability to explain information clearly and in a manner that resonates with the patient. While some patients appreciate a little humour in their conversation, others prefer a more formal approach, and it’s important that your doctor is able to read people so that they can discern how best to communicate with them. That said, no matter how friendly your doctor comes across, they should never lose their professionalism. This includes being respectful of you as an individual, your cultural norms, and behaving with integrity.

Karin notes that one of the most difficult parts of a doctor’s job is breaking bad news. But, she says, this is also a privilege. “You have the opportunity to make a difference in that moment by treating your patient with dignity and compassion.” These qualities should therefore be part of a doctor’s makeup, along with empathy.

The most important skill of all, says Karin, is one that can’t be learned: a true love of people. “Your genuine care about your patients makes all the difference,” she concludes.

What do you think makes a good doctor? Vote here.