Specialization

            While talking and reading about what makes a “good doctor”, there has been one thing that has somewhat bothered me. That is the often lack of acknowledgement of the vast specialization in the medical field. Yes, there are a set of commonalities between all doctors; but, to me, what make a cardiovascular surgeon a “good doctor” is very different from what makes a family pediatrician a “good doctor”. Good communication skills are much more important for a family pediatrician dealing with children than for a cardiovascular surgeon who spends most of his time with an unconscious patient. The technical skills required to be a good cardiovascular surgeon are almost useless to the everyday routine of a good family pediatrician. Some may be against such specialization in the medical fiend, but I view it in a more positive way. With the vast differences between different medical fields, specialization allow for a doctor to give the very best care in his or her respective field. Patient care is a team sport where different types of doctors all contribute different strengths that make the team that much stronger.