Modelling the qualities of a medical doctor in the South African healthcare context
Date
2016
Authors
Punwasi, Jayshina
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Abstract
To address the numerous healthcare challenges facing South Africa, it is imperative
that the skill set of medical doctors practising in the public sector evolve. This research
identifies the qualities required for a medical doctor to be a good clinician, holistic
practitioner, medical manager, and medical leader. Qualities of medical doctors were
identified from a comprehensive literature review and used in the development of a
fuzzy cognitive map (FCM). The FCM was refined through a pilot study and then
presented to an expert sample of public sector medical doctors in a two-round Delphi
study. The research propositions were refined as follows:
(i) Critical thinking, above-average intelligence, individual motivation, the
absence of poor work environment, and the absence of poor stress
management are required for a medical doctor to be a good clinician.
(ii) Critical thinking, strong interpersonal skills, individual motivation, the
absence of poor work environment, and the absence of poor stress
management are required for a medical doctor to be a holistic practitioner.
(iii) Critical thinking, individual motivation, strong interpersonal skills, the
absence of poor work environment, and the absence of poor stress
management are required for a medical doctor to be a medical manager.
(iv) Critical thinking, individual motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and the
absence of poor stress management are required for a medical doctor to be
a medical leader.
The findings of this study will be of value to individual medical doctors by providing
insight and identifying areas for personal improvement; healthcare institutions to
develop their staff to become better clinicians, holistic practitioners, medical
managers and medical leaders; and Medical schools and colleges to focus their
curriculum and teaching on producing multi-talented and multi-skilled medical
doctors. Furthermore, continued professional development of practicing doctors
along these paradigms can ensure higher quality medical practice, management
and leadership in public-sector healthcare.
Description
MBA
Keywords
Medical education -- South Africa. Physicians -- South Africa. Medical personnel -- South Africa.