“A person who has chosen the path of a doctor must possess high moral and ethical qualities. A young doctor faces two main tests in life: the test of success and the test of failure. The first threatens self-deception, the second — the capitulation of the spirit. Resilience in the face of these trials depends on the doctor’s personality, his ideological principles, convictions, and moral ideals. For what matters is not only the art of diagnosing and treating diseases, but also the ability to penetrate into the patient’s inner world. This is where the true humanism of a doctor is expressed.”
                                                                                                                                                                                            I. A. Kassirsky

     The personality of a doctor is considered the central component of the medical activity system, ensuring its focus and successful functioning in achieving the humanistic goal of medical work. The key requirement is the development of a humane attitude toward the patient and a high level of responsibility for one’s actions.

A set of personal qualities necessary for a doctor’s full professional performance:

· Moral and ethical qualities: honesty, integrity, responsibility, intelligence, humanity, kindness, reliability, principled nature, selflessness, and the ability to keep one’s word.

· Communicative qualities: personal attractiveness, politeness, respect for others, readiness to help, authority, tact, attentiveness, observance, sociability, openness to communication, and trust in others.

· Volitional qualities: self-confidence, endurance, inclination toward risk, courage, independence, restraint, balance, determination, initiative, self-sufficiency, and purposefulness.

· Organizational qualities: demandingness toward oneself and others, readiness to take responsibility, the ability to make decisions, to evaluate oneself and the patient correctly, and to plan one’s work efficiently.

        A doctor must be well-rounded, humane, and motivated to help everyone in need. They should not only possess knowledge, skills, and analytical thinking but also high spirituality and goodwill toward colleagues and patients, radiating positive emotional energy. The patient’s life depends on the medical worker. A doctor must love people and show empathy. Patients must be treated with respect, addressed by their full name regardless of social status, and never criticized, even if they are wrong. If it is necessary to point out mistakes, this should be done delicately, without offending. The ability to listen and truly hear the patient is crucial. A doctor’s duty is not only to treat but also to provide moral support.

        The desire to help others is one of the most important qualities of a doctor. A trusting relationship must exist between the doctor and the patient. A doctor should remain modest, without an inflated sense of self-importance, even if holding a high position. Restraint, composure, and self-control are essential qualities for any medical worker. Patients have different personalities, and one must never respond to rudeness with rudeness, even when personal pride is hurt. Doctors frequently face critical situations where a patient’s life hangs by a thread. In such moments, it is necessary to stay focused, composed, and rational, without panic. Stress tolerance allows for quick decision-making in difficult situations and helps endure high emotional stress. A doctor must be punctual, organized, and disciplined. The level of responsibility is high, as human life and health are at stake. Anyone who chooses this profession must fully realize its seriousness and have a true calling for it. A doctor should be demanding of themselves and others, able to plan their work, and possess leadership and organizational skills. At the same time, they must maintain a positive mindset and an optimistic attitude toward their profession and patients. Negative thinking hinders work, reduces effectiveness, and breeds fear, anxiety, and patient distrust.

       In addition to medical education, experience, and qualifications, a doctor must possess professional qualities that positively influence the workflow and help perform tasks efficiently. Without them, medical activity becomes unprofessional. A medical worker should be patient-oriented, placing the patient’s well-being above personal ambitions. In communicating with patients, the doctor should focus on their problems and be sincerely interested in preserving life and alleviating suffering. It is important to respect patients’ interests while maintaining professional integrity.

       A doctor must be versatile, motivated to help others, and humane. By choosing a medical career, one must also possess high spirituality, carry positive emotional energy, and show kindness toward both colleagues and patients.

         Doctor’s competencies include: knowledge, diagnostic and treatment skills, the ability to provide first aid, work with medical equipment, knowledge of medical standards, laws, and documentation procedures. Not only skills but also professional qualities allow the doctor to perform their duties effectively. A medical professional should be observant, active, and responsive, with a good memory and critical thinking.

      Medicine is a profession that requires constant development. The combination of professional knowledge and soft skills makes a doctor not only a competent specialist but also a person whom patients trust.

“To be happy through the happiness of others — this is the true happiness and the earthly ideal of life for anyone who chooses the medical profession.”
                                                                                                              N. I. Pirogov

 Department of propaedeutics of children diseases