10 top tips to be a successful and happy doctor
In this article we will list 10 top tips on how to be a successful and happy doctor. It is an honour and privilege being a doctor. We all want to be successful ones. But how?
So. What are 10 top tips to be a successful and happy doctor?
1. Avoid burnout
Doctors full of enthusiasm for their work, and who have little going on in their private lives, may be tempted to burn the candle at both ends. They end not taking annual leave and sick days when they need them to unwind or, or get better.
Good doctors strike a healthy work-life balance; and take long weekends and holidays on a regular basis, to recharge their batteries. If you are not happy at home, you won’t be happy at work.
Doctors have some of the highest levels of burnout in any industry. But the best doctors understand what it takes to stay recharged, as it improves their performance (and enjoyment) when they are at work.
2. Work hard
It may seem contradictory to state ‘hard work’ as point number 2 after point 1, which encourages a good work-life balance, to avoid burnout.
But there is a contradiction here. To become any good as a doctor, you need to work hard (very). Or you will not get the experience (and sadly, make the mistakes) to get good at it. And then you will not enjoy it.
If you don’t enjoy it, you will not be good at it, and you will not be happy with yourself, either at work or at home”
Then underperforming as a doctor will make you feel worse, reducing the quality of your care, and so on. And you will lack the confidence a doctor needs. So hard work, happiness and being good at medicine, are intrinsically linked.
So how are 1 and 2 compatible? That is the key. You need to find that line. Either way a good home life is vital for a doctor to perform at work.
3. Cultivate a great bedside manner – and be kind to the patients at all times
If you already know that you have a good bedside manner, you are in a good position. This needs to be based on empirical data, such as compliments on this topic from multiple patients and other medical professionals – not just a lack of complaints (though that is a start!). How many cards or compliments did you get last year? None? You may have a problem.
Thankyou for coming to see me today. How can I help you?” is a good start
However, many excellent physicians have focused so much on developing their clinical skills and knowledge, their communication skills and compassion fall behind. They can even be unkind to the patients.
A good doctor will never underestimate the importance of kindness and compassion to their patients. If you do not focus on this area, the patients will not trust you and you will get nowhere.
4. Encourage feedback from patients and your colleagues
It is good to be (constructively) criticised.
Sometimes things may not go well in your practice. Then it’s a good idea to request feedback (and let patients provide it anonymously) and colleagues. This way, the best doctors can discover problems before they grow too large, and then take steps to make things better.
Go to clinical governance meetings. Don’t be threatened by them. You may learn something to help you become a better doctor.
5. Aim for humility over arrogance
Many doctors develop a superiority complex, which can be understandable when you routinely save lives, and improve patient prospects so dramatically. But, nonetheless, strive for humility when dealing with staff and patients – for better harmony.
Remember, medical school is just the beginning of what you need to learn. Even the best doctors make mistakes and do not always come to an accurate diagnosis at the beginning. Communication skills are key.
You will make mistakes. If you don’t, you are not gaining enough clinical experience to become a good doctor. Own up immediately and apologise to the patient, relatives and colleagues. Tell your line manager. Ask for help to prevent such a mistake again.
6. Do not discuss patients or hospital politics, or politics or religion, on social media
Full stop. It’s nearly impossible to take back something you write on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. If you are inclined to engage with the community at large via social media, choose your words carefully.
And do not discuss patients or hospital politics on social media. Ever”
7. Find a mentor – and keep them
We all need mentors. If you didn’t acquire a mentor during medical school, as an F1/2 this is an ideal time to cultivate such a relationship. Even experienced medical professionals can benefit from spending time with and picking the brains of mentors, who are more successful and experienced than them.
At a young age, finding a good mentor is a good way of forming a solid basis to your practice – as well as career advice they can provide. Even if you move around, stay in touch with them.
8. Never stop studying
Even when your medical school and junior doctors days are things of the past, only arrogant doctors would ever think that they are ‘done with learning’. Keep up with medical journals and other sources of cutting-edge information in your field: attend conferences, webinars, courses. External CPD points are more useful than internal.
Sit or watch junior-senior colleagues. They may be more up-to-date than you, if you are a senior-senior doctor.
[“So is MyHSN a way in which some of you keep up to date?” MyHSN Ed. “yes”]
9. Keep away from work politics (hospital, or other medical workplace)
When you put a large enough group of people together, politics and gossip inevitably ensues. Colleagues may be trying to jockey their way to a better position earlier than their competitors. You don’t have to copy them. Managers may have disagreements about policy implementation that affects you. Managers are not the enemy. They are there to help you do your job better. They care about the patients too.
A doctor always tells the truth. Never lie, to anyone.”
Play with a straight bat [“I guess that is a cricketing phrase!” (Yes) MyHSN Ed].
Either way. it’s always best to approach from a position of diplomacy and cooperation. Patient care should always be your number one priority, and being a team player is critical to the success of your practice, and the team.
Do not respond to ‘all doctor’ (i.e. all big group) emails. They are usually political in nature, and unhelpful. Do not send them.
10. Don’t focus on money – and give back to the community (in a non-work way)
Money, on its own, rarely makes people happy. You will be paid well as a senior doctor. And you should be, as you will word hard and make important decisions. You will save limbs, eyesight and lives; and help people out of severe depression.
Earning over £300,000 per year for doing that is quite possible, if you emphasise private practice. But will it make you happier than £100,000 from the NHS?
Volunteering in your spare time regularly may make you happier and more successful as a doctor. You’ll feel good about yourself and engender goodwill in the community you serve.
It does not matter what it is; organising sport, music groups, or working for charities are all good examples.
Whatever your level of experience as a doctor, there is always room to learn and grow.
Take these top tips for success, and apply them to your own professional development. And you will start to see improvements in your medical practice and your happiness.
Summary
We have described 10 top tips to be a successful and happy doctor. We hope you have found it helpful.
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