Sometimes referred to as “entertainers,” ESFPs are known to be social people that enjoy experiencing new and exciting experiences, often times looking to encourage others to join them in their adventures! So can ESFPs make great doctors?
While ESFPs are often renowned for excelling in creative careers, they also exhibit the necessary traits to make great doctors. The reason is that ESFPs are often kind, caring, and courageous people that are comfortable improvising and putting their practical skills to good use.
Before we look at the personality traits of ESFPs to determine if they can make good doctors; let’s first examine what personality traits make a good doctor and then cross-reference them with the strengths and weaknesses of ESFPs:
What Personality Traits Make A Good Doctor?
There are six personality traits that make good doctors:
- Doctors must be confident,
- Doctors must be empathetic,
- Doctors must be focused,
- Doctors must be knowledgeable,
- Doctors must be unbiased,
- Doctors must be honest and forthright.
1. Doctors Must Be Confident
Doctors need to be confident in their abilities, as confidence is an essential part of making firm decisions and easing a patient’s concerns regarding their health and well-being.
2. Doctors Must Be Empathetic
Doctors must be empathetic to the suffering of others, passionately seeks a solution to relieve pain/discomfort, and consider the experience of patients to aid in diagnosis.
3. Doctors Must Be Focused
Doctors may often find themselves in high-energy, stressful situations whereby numerous problems demand their attention. However, good doctors know the importance of treating each patient with focused care and diligence and not get distracted.
4. Doctors Must Be Knowledgeable
Studying to become a doctor and remaining abreast of scientific/medical developments requires ongoing skills development. Consequently, doctors must exhibit a thirst for knowledge and complementary skill set to absorb vast quantities of information.
5. Doctors Must Be Unbiased
Subject to taking the Hippocratic Oath, doctors are expected to be unbiased and treat all people equally, regardless of any preconceived notions or opinions about a person.
6. Doctors Must Be Honest And Forthright
Oftentimes, doctors need to deliver bad news to patients, or they may have to admit to a fault (such as a misdiagnosis). Consequently, good doctors are not afraid to tell people the truth in plain and straightforward language.
What Are ESFP Strengths?
There are six strengths ESFPs typically possess:
- ESFPs are courageous,
- ESFPs are unique,
- ESFPs are creative,
- ESFPs are practical,
- ESFPs are observant,
- ESFPs have excellent people skills.
1. ESFPs Are Courageous
Because ESFPs like to put themselves out of their comfort zones while presenting open and honest depictions of who they are, they tend to be very confident and courageous. Fortunately, confidence is crucial for success in the medical profession.
2. ESFPs Are Unique
ESFPs prefer being innovative and original rather than following tried and tested formulas. Although innovation is essential for doctors under specific circumstances, following set procedures is the advisable route in most instances.
3. ESFPs Are Creative
ESFPs are creative people that enjoy incorporating showmanship and artistry into mundane life and practical pursuits.
4. ESFPs Are Practical
As mentioned above, ESFPs are practical people who prefer engaging with real-world problems instead of academic/theoretical issues. Although this may make studying medicine challenging, practically minded people excel as doctors and surgeons.
5. ESFPs Are Observant
ESFPs are known for being observant and having an eye for finer details. Being alert is an essential trait for doctors, as it assists them with making a diagnosis.
6. ESFPs Have Excellent People Skills
Finally, ESFPs are known to be kind, caring people with excellent people skills. Strong people skills are an essential trait for doctors, as it allows them to connect and emphasize with patients from different backgrounds, cultures, ages, etc.
What Are ESFP Weaknesses?
There are five weaknesses ESFPs typically possess
- ESFPs are sensitive,
- ESFPs are conflict-averse,
- ESFPs are unfocused,
- ESFPs are easily bored,
- ESFPs are poor planners.
1. ESFPs Are Sensitive
While ESFPs are kind, caring people, this can extend to a sensitive personality type that is uncomfortable with receiving criticism. Unfortunately, when studying medicine and practicing as a doctor, constructive criticism is vital to grow and improve.
2. ESFPs Are Conflict-Averse
ESFPs tend to shy away from conflict despite being brave people. Fortunately, doctors seldom find themselves in confrontational situations, save for stubborn patients or when disagreeing with the prognosis of other doctors.
3. ESFPs Are Unfocused
ESFPs often struggle to stay focused on a particular task for an extended period of time. Consequently, specific medical careers and lengthy procedures may not be suited to them; however, the ebb and flow of working as a general practitioner usually keep them engaged.
4. ESFPs Are Easily Bored
Similar to being unfocused, ESFPs are easily bored with monotonous work. Fortunately, most doctors are faced with diverse, challenging work on a daily basis.
5. ESFPs Are Poor Planners
Finally, ESFPs are poor planners that struggle with sticking to a schedule. Consequently, ESFPs that decide to become doctors are advised to form strong relationships with organized individuals to help them remain on time for appointments (like secretarial or hospital staff.)
Can ESFPs Become Good Doctors?
Although any personality type can become a doctor, many ESFPs may find themselves suited to the profession. However, the environment and culture of the hospital/doctor’s office they find themselves in is critical.
Consequently, ESFPs should strive to specialize in diverse spaces that provide daily opportunities for challenging work like working in an emergency room and should avoid monotonous specialization or tedious work.
Finally, all ESFP doctors must make an effort to improve their time management and planning skills since these skills are critical for studying and practicing medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ESFPs are a personality type that is well suited to the medical professional, provided it is in a practical and dynamic space, like being a doctor and not a researcher.
