It is no secret that medical and dental degrees are incredibly challenging. This is reflected in their rigorous selection process. To succeed at either degree, there are certain skills that students must develop. The skillset ranges from academic ability to interpersonal skills, time keeping and more. All of which are paramount to succeeding as a student and guaranteeing a job post-graduation.

This article will discuss the skills necessary for success, their importance in the medical field and how you can adopt these skills early on to set you apart from other candidates.

Academic and Analytical Skills

1. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
   • In the profession, doctors and dentists are responsible for accurate decision-making in the form of diagnosing patients and navigating complex procedures.
   • In medical and dental school, these skills are essential to analyse complex case studies, adapt to evolving information, and to approach each case systematically.
   • Develop this by engaging in activities like debate club or assisting in research. Reading research papers can also help to develop critical thinking.
2. Scientific and Medical Literacy:
   • Medical and anatomical terms have their own language and they frequently used when medical staff discuss patient cases, allowing clear and precise communication and minimising misunderstanding and errors. Scientific literacy is vital to provide evidence-based assessments and treatment which is based on the most relevent research.
   • This skill is very important throughout a student’s studies and prepares them to understand and use medical terminology during placement. In particular, in anatomy, there is specific vocabulary to describe the location and function of a body part, this requires medical literacy. Moreover, depending on the degree, students may have to undertake a research project, in this instance, scientific and research knowledge will prove paramount inn digesting and synthesising scientific content.
   • Develop this by familiarising yourself with basic medical terminology and anatomy. There are lots of YouTube videos that break down content to make it more understandable.

Clinical Skills

1. Manual Dexterity:
   • Doctors and dentists require excellent fine motor skills for minor procedures all the way to intricate surgeries. Dexterity is essential to perform these tasks effectively and safely, with minimal discomfort to the patient.
   • Medical and dental students require dexterity to learn clinical skills such as cannulation and suturing which they may need to demonstrate in their OSCE exams and later on placement.
   • Develop this by practicing skills like playing musical instruments, sewing or intricate art. Practicing precise movements helps build dexterity which is useful in intricate clinical skills.
2. Clinical Knowledge:
   • This skill underpins the ability for clinicians to diagnose and treat patients effectively. It allows them to understand the complexities of health, recognise the symptoms of certain conditions and have the knowledge of how and when to treat them.
   • Students develop this skill throughout their clinical training as a foundation for diagnosing and treating patients. It allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to real patient scenarios and develop a plan for their care.
   • Develop this by attending medical lectures, watching educational videos or volunteering/ shadowing at a health care facility.

General and interpersonal skills

1. Empathy and Compassion:
   • Doctors and dentists need empathy and compassion to build rapport and trust with patients, considering their emotion as well as physical needs. This is particularly important in delicate situations like breaking bad news where clinicians need to provide support and compassion towards the patient and their family.
   • Students need this skill to develop patient centred skills, allowing them to communicate effectively and sensitively. Practicing empathy early on in their training prepared them to handle complicated and emotional situations on placement and their career ahead.
   • Develop this by volunteering in patient facing role such as care homes or hospices. Listening to people’s stories and providing support can help you develop compassionate communication.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration:
   • Doctors and dentists rely on teamwork and collaboration to coordinate with other members of the MDT ensuring effective patient care. Working well with others improves problem solving, reduces chance of errors and betters patient outcomes.
   • Medical and dental student’s need teamwork and collaboration to learn from their peers and develop strong interpersonal skills. Many sessions at university are run in smaller groups, effective collaboration ensures students get the most out of the session. Practicing these skills during training helps students to adapt to a team-based environment which is crucial in the clinical setting.
   • Develop this by joining extracurriculars that require collaboration like team sports and community service. Working alongside others will help you learn how to communicate with and support peers effectively.

Professionalism

1. Time keeping:
   • For doctors and dentists, time management is paramount for maintaining effective patient care, reducing waiting times and leasing with other medical professionals. In emergency scenarios, swift decision making, and precise time management can be critical for patient outcomes.
   • Medical and dental students need this skill in order to balance a heavy study load with clinical practice, coursework and life outside of medicine. Developing this skill early on ensures that students avoid burnout and can transition smoothly into the clinical settings.
   • Develop this by creating structured study and work schedule that factors in goals and important deadlines. Balancing academic and personal responsibilities builds discipline that is transferable to university and work as a clinician.
2. Prioritisation:
   • For dentists and doctors, prioritisation is essential in managing patient care effectively, especially with limited time and resources. In the busy clinical environment, they must quickly identify who requires immediate attention and who can safely wait.
   • For students, this skill applies to managing the academic workload and allows them to decide which tasks need to be done first and which ones are less important. Learning to prioritise helps them to focus on high yield tasks and prepare for their future role where they must make quick, informed decisions about patient’s care.
   • Develop this by creating effective to do lists and prioritising the most important tasks. Taking on additional responsibilities like a job or volunteering can also teach you how to prioritise effectively and balance a greater workload.

The skills discussed above are the sort of things medical and dental schools look for in your application. If you need support of guidance with any stage of the process, click here to apply to Future Doc for 1 ON 1 coaching. With their help you can perfect your personal statement and interview technique to give you the best chance of receiving an offer.

Written by Luiza