Medical doctors
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "medical doctors"
The Role and Challenges of Medical Doctors in Modern Healthcare
Medical Doctors in Healthcare Leadership
Medical doctors play a crucial role in the adaptation and performance of healthcare systems. Recent policies in countries like Canada and the Netherlands aim to develop clinical leadership among physicians, emphasizing their engagement in health system improvement. In Canada, initiatives suggest a trend towards collaboration between governments and medical associations, while in the Netherlands, efforts to integrate doctors into leadership roles face challenges due to misalignment with doctors' professional values and interests1. Achieving effective clinical leadership requires balancing trust and collaboration with financial incentives and ensuring clarity and stability in policy orientations1.
Medical Professionalism and Public Trust
Medical professionalism is fundamental to the trust the public places in doctors. It encompasses values, behaviors, and relationships that define the doctor-patient interaction. Despite the lack of direct evidence linking robust professionalism to better health outcomes, poor professionalism is associated with substandard medical care. The Royal College of Physicians emphasizes that professionalism involves multiple commitments to patients, fellow professionals, and the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of effective teamwork and organizational support2. The political and cultural environment significantly impacts the exercise of medical professionalism, necessitating supportive organizational infrastructures2.
Professional Identity and Doctor-Patient Relationships in China
In Chinese public hospitals, the rise in medical disputes and violence against doctors indicates a lack of trust in the medical profession. This distrust is partly due to inconsistent demonstration of professional identity among doctors. While most doctors exhibit professionalism, variations in respecting patients' views and ethical decision-making contribute to strained doctor-patient relationships. Addressing these issues requires revising medical curricula and internship programs to foster a strong professional identity among medical graduates3. Additionally, the Chinese government must implement measures to secure the safety of medical practitioners and reform public hospitals to improve doctor-patient relationships5.
Changing Social Position and Consumerism in Medical Practice
The social position and status of the medical profession have evolved significantly over the past few decades, influenced by increasing consumerism in the doctor-patient relationship. Interviews with doctors in Sydney reveal that while the social position of doctors has changed, the qualities of a 'good' doctor remain centered on professionalism, empathy, and effective communication. The impact of consumerism necessitates that doctors be transparent and accountable in their decision-making processes4. This shift underscores the importance of maintaining professional standards and adapting to changing societal expectations.
The Physician-Patient Relationship
The physician-patient relationship is a critical aspect of medical practice, yet it constitutes a small portion of the medical literature. Improving this relationship involves enhancing communication skills and understanding the motivations behind physicians' interactions with patients. Effective physician-patient relationships are essential for optimal patient care and satisfaction6. The cultural discourses of medicine, as explored through literary texts, highlight the importance of empathy and kindness in medical practice, emphasizing the humanistic principles that underpin the doctoring process7.
Conclusion
Medical doctors face numerous challenges in modern healthcare, from leadership roles and professional identity to maintaining public trust and adapting to consumerism. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, educational improvements, and fostering a supportive organizational environment. By upholding the values of medical professionalism and enhancing doctor-patient relationships, the medical profession can continue to provide high-quality care and maintain the trust of society.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Medical doctors in healthcare leadership: theoretical and practical challenges
Medical doctors' engagement and leadership in healthcare face similar challenges across different institutional contexts, with alignment between soft (trust, collaboration) and hard (financial incentives) levers needed for success.
Observational Study
Highly CitedDoctors in society. Medical professionalism in a changing world.
Medical professionalism, defined by the Working Party, is crucial for maintaining public trust in doctors and promoting better healthcare outcomes.
Highly CitedDoctors in Chinese public hospitals: demonstration of their professional identities
In Chinese public hospitals, 80% of doctors demonstrated some aspects of professionalism, but inconsistencies across the medical workforce may exacerbate tense doctor-patient relationships.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalDoctors on the medical profession
Doctors in Sydney view the changing social position of the medical profession, the impact of consumerism on medical practice, and the qualities of a 'good' doctor.
Observational StudyHighly CitedTo be or not to be a doctor, that is the question: a review of serious incidents of violence against doctors in China from 2003–2013
In China, 101 incidents of serious medical violence occurred from 2003-2013, with 24 doctors or nurses dying, and public hospital reform is urgently needed to secure their safety and welfare.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPhysician-Patient Relationships: What Do Doctors Say?
Physician-patient relationships are understudied in medical literature, but there are numerous topics and motivations for improving communication skills among physicians and medical students.
Systematic Review