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9 qualities of a great doctor
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We spoke with leaders at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM) to learn more about what makes a quality doctor — and it's not your test scores or your GPA. Their insight can help you better understand what it is that distinguishes a great physician.
A good doctor possesses a combination of professional skills, personal attributes and ethical standards that contribute to effective patient care. Here are nine key characteristics and qualities they mentioned::
1. Knowledge and expertise
A good doctor must have a deep understanding of the human body and stay up to date with the latest medical advancements and treatments. This ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
“To be a good doctor, you have to have a strong foundation of medical knowledge and an ongoing thirst for knowledge so that you are continually learning. Science is evolving quickly, and our patients deserve that we are up to date on the most up-to-date innovations and findings. Excellent patient care with quality outcomes is based on a strong foundation of medical knowledge that is continuously updated and nurtured by the thirst for medical knowledge. Medical knowledge is like the foundation of a house. If it's not strong and reinforced, the house is weak.”
Vice Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Arizona Campus
2. Good communication skills
Effective communication is crucial for a good doctor. Patients need to feel comfortable discussing their health concerns, and they value a doctor who listens attentively and explains medical conditions clearly.
“Effective communication is a cornerstone of exceptional medical care. Our future generation of medical doctors must possess strong communication skills to foster trust and understanding between the patient and themselves. These skills not only enhance the patient experience but also lead to better health outcomes.”
Vice Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Dean, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Florida Campus
3. Compassion and empathy
Patients often feel vulnerable and in pain when visiting a doctor. A compassionate and empathetic doctor can help patients feel more comfortable and at ease, which is essential for building trust and establishing a positive doctor-patient relationship.
“Compassion and empathy start with listening. A patient who comes seeking help is suffering, but also often frightened. Listening —, allowing the patient to tell the story, asking questions to understand what is feels like from the patient’s point of view and how it impacts their life — is a crucial step in building trust and showing that you care. Physical touch, a hand gently placed on a patient's arm or leg — if culturally appropriate — creates a connectedness that is reassuring and can ease the suffering created by fear and anxiety of a new symptom or illness or the loss of a loved one.”
Assistant Dean for Student Competency and Professional Standards
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
4. Attention to detail
A good doctor must pay close attention to detail, thoroughly examining and assessing patients to identify even the smallest symptoms and signs. This helps ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.
“I rely on patterns of exam findings that can be subtle but, if elicited and interpreted carefully, can reveal the precise source of my patient’s symptoms. Attention to detail is critical to being a good neurologist.”
Jeremy K. Cutsforth-Gregory, M.D.
Assistant Dean of Career Advising
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Minnesota Campus
5. Strong ethical standards
Patients trust that their doctor will act in their best interests and uphold strong ethical standards. Doctors must be committed to ethical principles and providing the highest standard of care to their patients
“At Mayo Clinic, our institutional core value is to put the needs of the patient first. When we are looking at the incredibly talented pool of candidates that express interest in the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, our team works hard to identify those who hold this value in the highest regard and who themselves have demonstrated integrity in their interactions with others and putting the needs of others first. Our belief here at MCASOM is that this is crucial in order to provide the highest quality ethical care for all patients.”
Senior Associate Dean for Admissions
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
6. Problem-solving skills
A good doctor must have strong problem-solving skills, quickly and effectively diagnosing and treating health problems. Critical thinking and creative solutions are essential for addressing complex medical issues
“Doctors today must address a variety of issues, such as diagnosing diseases and delivering the most appropriate treatment while connecting with patients in the most effective manner. We instruct and prepare our students so that they will be the best physicians for tomorrow.”
George M. and Kristen L. Lund Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Arizona Campus
7. Interpersonal and teamwork skills
Good doctors are collaborative and work well in teams, contributing to a holistic approach to patient care. They also have exemplary interpersonal skills, which are crucial for effective communication and teamwork.
"As future physicians, medical students must cultivate not only their clinical expertise but also the interpersonal skills needed to work effectively within a team. The ability to listen, collaborate and communicate with empathy and clarity is essential for delivering holistic, compassionate care. Together, we can achieve more, and our patients benefit from the collective expertise and support we provide as a unified healthcare team."
Assistant Dean for Curriculum
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Minnesota Campus
8. Calm under pressure
Doctors often face high-stress situations. Being able to remain calm in the eye of the storm helps them make clear and rational decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for their patients.
“During a resuscitation when your patient is crashing, no matter how chaotic things get, you always have to be the calmest person in the room at all times. Your team will feed off of your calmness, and the clearest decisions are made in moments of calm.”
Douglas E. Rappaport, M.D. Assistant Dean of Career Advising
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Arizona Campus
9. Patient-centered approach
A good doctor treats the whole person, not just the specific medical condition. This holistic approach considers the patient's physical, emotional and social needs.
“The patient-centered approach to medical education at Mayo Clinic prioritizes empathy on equal footing with core medical knowledge, recognizing that compassion is critical to relationship formation — and ultimately, to healing itself.”
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Minnesota Campus
These qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong doctor-patient relationships. Research and articles from sources such as the American Medical Association (AMA), BMC Health Services Research, and the AAMC highlight these traits as fundamental to the medical profession.
