5 Smart Skills for Surgeons

Here are 5 examples of the most important soft skills to develop for any surgeon:

1. Communication

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

3. Interpersonal relationships

4. Attention to detail

5. Professionalism

Skill 1: Communication Skills

Physicians spend their days interacting with their patients and colleagues, which means they need strong communication skills to succeed.

Having strong communication skills helps physicians understand the symptoms of their patients, which facilitates the effective diagnosis of patients and recommends the best treatment.

Some of the most critical communication skills for physicians are:

• Verbal communication

• Written communication

• Body language

• Clarity of language

• Ability to provide feedback

• Active listening

Skill 2: Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Being a surgeon involves a lot of problem-solving and critical thinking to find solutions for your patients.

Surgeons use these skills to assess symptoms, diagnose problems, and develop a treatment regimen for those receiving care.

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills that help surgeons:

• Analytical thinking

• Creative thinking

• Solution Thinking

• Ability to ask questions

• Open-mindedness

Skill 3: Interpersonal Relationships

For surgeons, interpersonal skills are often described as having a positive bedside attitude, which means they can interact with them empathetically.

Surgeons use this emotional intelligence to ensure their patients feel supported and validated. These skills also extend to a surgeon’s ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Surgeons should focus on developing interpersonal skills, including:

• Empathy

• Reliability

• Patience

• Compassion

• Sensibility

• Flexibility

• Conflict resolution

Skill 4: Attention to detail

Surgeons pay attention to the details during all phases of the patient’s treatment, from understanding the patient’s history to diagnosis, operation categories, and medication prescription.

These skills are the basis of the surgeons' excellent attention to detail:

• Observation

• Organization

• Concentration

• Time management

• Delegation

• Attention

Skill 5: Professionalism

Surgeons must follow certain professional guidelines to ensure that patients feel safe.

Doctors must remain calm, united, and respectful when treating sick patients who are frequently stressed or emotional.

Here are some relevant skills that can help surgeons remain professional throughout their careers:

• Respect

• Cultural awareness

• Positive attitude

• De-escalation

• Integrity

• Reassure

• Discipline

• Liability

All these non-technical skills can make a big difference in the surgeon’s experience.