Bedside manner is an amalgamation of many factors. It is not just a great personality, a talent for humor, or an abundance of compassion. It is all those qualities and many more. It can be learned and practiced to make each and every health-care provider more likeable and successful. Just being a good healer is not enough. Bedside manner addresses the psychological aspects of patient care. In a fast-paced, impersonal world, the psyche needs healing just as much as the body.

By recognizing the importance of being a complete practitioner, you will make it a point to learn the techniques described. Take the time to become aware of all your patients’ needs, and what they require and seek from the doctor-patient relationship.

Everyone should make an effort to sharpen their interpersonal skills as much as they should stay at the forefront of their field of patient care. Both qualities make the best doctors.