What Skills Do Pediatricians Need to Learn?
Pediatricians assess, diagnose, and treat the medical needs of infants, children and adolescents. The following are a few of the many skills necessary to be an effective pediatrician.
Observation
It is vital that pediatricians possess superb observational skills, as diagnoses and treatments are directly based on what is observed. Physical symptoms are not the only cues a pediatrician must be astute at reading. Emotional and psychological issues also are addressed by pediatricians, so behavioral observations are equally as important. The pediatrician will be better able to analyze situations, and to describe them to others, if he has observed every aspect of the circumstances.
Communication
Communication skills work in conjunction with observational skills in pediatrics. It is important for a pediatrician to effectively communicate her findings to other medical professionals as well as to the patient's parents and family members. The doctor must speak appropriately in any given situation. For example, a child's condition cannot be described to a parent in the same manner as to a medical professional. The pediatrician must tailor her communication based on the other party.
Decisiveness
Emergencies will occur, and a pediatrician must possess the wherewithal to make a split-second decision in a confident and calm manner; there is no time for a pediatrician to doubt himself. A parent will lose confidence in a pediatrician who wavers when making a decision or who seems unsure about his choices.
Motivation
Throughout her career, a pediatrician must have the motivation to pursue continuing education to stay up to date on medical treatments, which change over time. Additionally, depending on the place of employment, a pediatrician might be required to work a grueling schedule, which can require a strong sense of personal motivation.
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