A – Attitude – You are not doing any favor to the patients. Human body is the nature’s best creation and only we are privileged to deal with it. Patients do a favor to us by having trust in us. Give your best where ever you are. Attitude trumps attributes.
B – Balance – World is full of temptations that constantly distract us. Strike a balance between too much or too little. Don’t worry if you are not the best but avoid being a failure.
C- Compassion – Doctor without compassion is like a flower without fragrance. When in doubt, put yourself in the patients position and you will always get the right answer. Hugs can do what drugs can’t.
D – Dialogue – Communication skill is not only important for being a successful doctor but also for being a good teacher and a good leader. Dialogue impacts patient more than our degrees.
Documentation – In a litigious society, proper recording and storage of important information is imperative.
E – Ethics – Doctors are treated as Gods. One of the elements of Godliness is being honest to yourself, patients and colleagues. Beware, you are a role model for others around you. Work ethically, wealth and respect will follow.
F – Fitness – Fitness of your own mind and body is essential to your ability to heal others. Be the best to bring out the best from you. Medical profession is like a marathon race, don’t sprint. Eat well. Sleep well. Think well.
G – Garment and Get Up – Our appearance and clothes make a lasting impression on patients. Clean look, neat apron, nice clothes, nice body odor, good footwear are considered as essential elements of a good doctor. Quality matters more than qualifications.
H – Hear more and speak less – Patients appreciate doctors who listen to them patiently. Good listening alone helps in diagnosis of common ailments that avoids unnecessary investigation and medication.
I – Inquisitive – In the era where knowledge is freely accessible, it is a challenge to know more than our patients! It is not only beneficial for our patients but also essential for our self confidence. Having said that, patients are our best teachers.
J – Jovial – Being jovial brightens the otherwise gloomy world of ours. Our friendliness and smile brings hope to the patients and invigorates our team.
Prof Pankaj Chaturvedi
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
