Ten Essential Skills for Doctors: We look at some of the essential skills a doctor would need to have a great

care er. 1.Verbal communication skills. A doctor needs to be able to speak clearly, hear well and observe patients to effectively diagnose their ailments. 2. Motor skills. Doctors need to have a high degree of hand-eye skills to be abl e to safely and effectively examine patients, use instruments like the stethosco pe, otoscope and ophthalmoscope, as well as a wide range of diagnostic equipment . You ll need to have motor skills appropriate to perform general and emergency me dical care to patients. 3. Intellectual skills. As a doctor, you ll need to be able to calculate, analyze in a timely fashion, and under sometimes stressful conditions. 4. Social skills. To effectively care for patients, doctors must be emotionally healthy, mature, sensitive and honest. You ll need to have good judgment and compa ssion when diagnosing and treating patients. 5. Observational skills. To work effectively as a doctor, you ll need to be able t o observe patients so that you can assess and evaluate patients conditions. 6. Physical skills. Healthcare involves a lot of walking and standing, and you ll sometimes be required to maneuver patients in or out of bed, into chairs, onto g urneys and even up off the floor. 7. Written skills. Doctors must be able to note patient information on charts, m ake notes about medications and patient behavior, leave notes for nurses, pharma cists and aides. 8. Computer skills. Your schooling will involve a certain degree of computer use in labs and when writing papers. In the profession, you ll find that computers ha ve become a common tool in health care, and you ll need to feel comfortable updati ng patient information on computers. 9. Continuing education skills. You must be able to continually stay abreast of developments in your profession through conferences, classes, and journal readin g. 10. Business skills. Whether you choose to practice in a hospital or a private s etting, your ability to understand basic business procedures is essential. Doctors are some of the most respected individuals in the world, and if you have the desire to become a part of this field and these skills, you're well on your way to success.