5 Smart Skills for Surgeons
Here are 5 examples of the most important soft skills to develop for any surgeon:
Communication
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Interpersonal relationships
Attention to detail
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.