Physician's personality

Abstract

Personality is one of the most complex terms in psychology. Numerous scientists have studied personality, but it is difficult to categorize it simply. This review article primarily examines a physician’s personality or the traits which an ideal physician should have. The paper explores the changing role of physicians throughout history and across different eras and civilizations; it also considers the personality of physicians and the process of student selection. The differences in personality traits which distinguish physicians of a certain specialty are also mentioned. The profession of physician, in addition to requiring considerable effort and sacrifice, requires a person who can empathize with others, offer comfort and provide good advice. Being a physician necessitates many other skillsets that a person needs in order to offer adequate help to patients. A physician’s image has changed through history, but the fundamental aspects of the job have remained the same, namely, empathy, knowledge and ethics. For a physician to help a patient successfully, a stable and firm relationship with that patient is required. The ability of a physician to communicate simply and empathically with the patient and to demonstrate understanding is the foundation of a successful physician–patient relationship. Nowadays, a patient is usually perceived as an object. This could be a consequence of accelerated technological development, but also a negative attitude on the part of the physician. Today, specific criteria outline the kind of person a doctor should be. In this article, we bring together the history and key personality traits of a physician, as well as the differences in personality, while considering individual medical specialties.