Becoming a Doctor
The Profession
Doctors are compassionate, mission-driven professionals who are committed to helping people, proud of their ability to treat patients and proud to be able to diagnose illnesses. Doctors are mostly inspired by the trust their patients put in them. Doctors discover functions of the human body, learn to interpret patients’ diseases and they gain confidence as they progress to determine illnesses. Doctors also have an opportunity to specialise from a range of different areas where they meet incredible people. These reasons are key points for why I would like to pursue a medical career. Personal Strengths
For effective and safe medical practice doctors must have good communication skills. Both the patient and
…show more content…
The doctor needs to make sure the patient is comfortable in the environment before any treatment occurs. If there is poor communication the patient may be diagnosed incorrectly or given the wrong prescription. Doctors learn to improve their own way of communication over time and patients learn to trust their doctor. Doctors should try to comprehend the situation from the patient’s view and recognize their beliefs, feelings and ethics when trying to overcome the communication barrier. To actively listen whilst in conversation could help understanding and also encourage the patient to contribute in decisions and also allow the doctor to see if the patient has any other problems or …show more content…
To enter into first year of either Bachelor of Heath Science or Bachelor of Science you must have a National Certificate of Educational Achievement at level three with a minimum of 250 points or, academic achievements similar to this. For myself I plan to enter first year by completing a certificate in Health Science at level four through Whitireia Polytechnic. During the first year in University you must meet an average B+ grade for the whole year to get into a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). However, at the end of the first year you have to sit a test and have an interview to gain entry into second year and the people that had scored a higher grade, such as an A+, would be at a bigger advantage of gaining entry. The MBChB takes five years to complete and in the last year students become trainee interns in a
Communication is cited as a contributing factor in 70% of healthcare mistakes, leading to many initiatives across the healthcare settings to improve the way healthcare professionals communicate. (Kohn, 2000.)
A question I have been asked more often than not, “What would you rather be if not a doctor?” Well, my journey as a doctor has seen a share of crests and troughs, but I will not have it any other way. I am a book lover, and every good read is time saved; I have trekked mountains, and every step brought forth a sense of achievement; I have been recognized for my English debating skills many a time. Every cup held was precious, but none of it so fulfilling and rewarding as another human being trusting you with his breath. This texture of human relationships is unique to this profession, and is probably what makes it sublime to the eyes of a common man.
Furthermore it’s very important not to judge the patient pertaining to what they may have to say. Good communication helps nurses build a relationship with their patient. Linking my personal experience from the clinical area relates to the practical side of nursing. It is necessary for communication between the nurse and the patient to be clear, understandable, appropriate and
Communication encompasses a wide range of processes such as the exchange of information, listening, posing of questions (Fleischer et al., 2009) or use of body language. In a healthcare environment where there are constant interactions among nurses, doctors, patients and other health professionals, professional and effective communication is important in ensuring high quality healthcare standards and meeting the individual needs of patients.
“Physicians and other health care professionals all agree on the importance of effective communication among the members of a health care team. However, there are many challenges associated with effective interprofessional (between physicians and other health care providers) communication, and these difficulties sometimes lead to unfavourable patient outcomes” (Canadian Medical Protection Association, 2011 p. 11).
Effective communication between patient and clinician is an important aspect to patient care. Proper communication has a direct positive impact on patient care and adversely poor communication has a direct negative impact on patient care. I will define the seven principles of patient-clinician communication and how I apply these communications with my patients. I will also describe the three methods currently being used to improve interdisciplinary communication and the one method that my area of practice currently uses. Then, I will explain the ethical principles that can be applied to issues in patient-clinician communication. And Lastly, the importance of ethics in communication and how patient safety is influenced by good or bad team communication.
The life of a successful physician is my ultimate pursuit due to its fulfilment of all of my personal desires: a complete knowledge of the human body, a desire to impact the world positively, and a yearning to lead a life dedicated to helping others. My personal drive towards medicine came about-in part -due to the passion both my parents possess for their jobs. This opened the doors of curiosity which led into further personal studies and exploration within the field. I would be an asset to medical school and the medical profession due to my absolute humanitarian motives, the profitable experiences that have helped me grow as an individual, and my passion for the sciences.
Listening and communication with all parties involved in the care of a patient is the first step in providing the care our patients need. This is not only speaking with professionals involved, but with the patient and their families. When we open up the line of communication it allows the
Today I will discuss the difficulties that occur if communication with patients is not clear. Doctor patient communication is very important. If your communication with your patients isn't clear then it can cause serious health problems or even death. Sometimes patients don't understand what the doctor is saying. Sometimes when Doctors and nurses are talking to patients they are using big words that patients don't understand. They forget sometimes that the patients didn't go to medical school. Some patients just agree instead of asking for clarification. If you are unsure the patient has clarification
Today, we are facing a healthcare communication crisis. The relationship between doctor and patient relationship is falling apart. For patient who are not able to make decision for themselves, so they rely on their family members. This puts more stress on doctors, such that patient out number doctors and it prevents them from using their full capacity. Ways to help this cause will be by redefining healthcare to society. To redefine healthcare communication one needs to understand the doctor’s role.
Communication plays a major role in preventing and resolving behavior problems and enhancing your patient’s quality of life by allowing them to feel, even when they no longer know or recognize those around them that they are in the midst of people who care about them and are concerned about their physical and emotional well being.
I have explained three of the seven principles that I use while interacting with my patients daily. The three methods of communication were defined and explained how each is used in the healthcare setting. The communication method that works best on my unit was explained per my unit’s preference. The four-ethical principle regarding communication were explained along with how these principles and team communication affect patient safety. Overall, this paper has demonstrated why communication is important in the health care
Despite the frequency of verbal interactions, miscommunication of patient information occurs that can lead to patient safety issues. . . . ‘Effective communication occurs when the expertise, skills, and unique perspectives of both nurses and physicians are integrated, resulting in an improvement in the quality of patient care’ (Lindeke & Sieckert, 200...
Medicine has proven to be an elusive, tempestuous creature. It has appeared to me in visions nightmarish and calm, despairing and joyous. My pursuit has been an odyssey, taking me farther into my heart than I ever dreamed possible. However, before I could even begin to approach the emotional, physical and Intellectual demands of a physician's life, I had to gain a better understanding of myself, my identity and beliefs. Only with this stronger sense of self have I felt the confidence to give my best and my all, and to make my contribution to society.
Healthcare professionals require effective communication skills in order to communicate with the varied range of patients they deal with in health and social care settings. ‘Effective communication skills are key in health and social care because they help you to establish and develop relationships with colleagues, management and families. Communication is the simplest way to really get a sense of how a person is coping and what steps you need to take to improve their health and wellbeing’ (Stonebridge College 2016).