Soft Skills in Medicine

1. Communication¶

• Verbal Communication: Clear, concise, and empathetic communication with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Listening: Actively listening to patients and colleagues to understand concerns and provide appropriate care.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and tone to convey empathy and understanding.
• Providing Effective Feedback
• Utilizing Received Feedback

2. Empathy¶

• Patient-Centered Care: Understanding and responding to the emotions and concerns of patients.
• Compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and concern for patients’ well-being.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration¶

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Flexibility: Adapting to different roles within a team and contributing to the team’s goals.

4. Problem-Solving¶

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing situations quickly and making informed decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Resourcefulness: Finding innovative solutions to complex medical and logistical challenges.

5. Adaptability¶

• Flexibility: Adjusting to changes in patient needs, treatment plans, and healthcare environments.
• Resilience: Handling stress and recovering from setbacks in a demanding field.

6. Time Management¶

• Prioritization: Effectively managing time to prioritize patient care and administrative tasks.
• Keeping effective and useful notes.
• Efficiency: Balancing multiple responsibilities without compromising the quality of care.

7. Leadership¶

• Guidance: Leading a medical team or project, providing direction, and motivating others.
• Decision-Making: Taking responsibility for critical decisions and leading by example.

8. Cultural Competence¶

• Awareness: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and practices.
• Inclusion: Providing care that is sensitive to the cultural needs and preferences of patients.

9. Emotional Intelligence¶

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing your own emotions and how they affect your behavior and decision-making.
• Social Awareness: Understanding and managing the emotions of others, especially in stressful situations.

10. Ethical Judgment¶

• Integrity: Adhering to ethical principles and standards in patient care and professional conduct.
• Confidentiality: Protecting patient privacy and handling sensitive information with discretion.

11. Professionalism¶

• Reliability: Being dependable and consistent in fulfilling your duties.
• Respect: Treating patients, families, and colleagues with respect and dignity.

12. Conflict Resolution¶

• Mediation: Addressing and resolving conflicts within the healthcare team or with patients in a constructive manner.
• Negotiation: Finding mutually beneficial solutions to disagreements.

13. Teaching and Mentorship¶

• Knowledge Sharing: Effectively educating patients, families, and junior colleagues.
• Mentorship: Guiding and supporting the development of others in the medical field.

Resources¶

University of Arizona Johns Hopkins Medicine Faculty Development