Sometimes referred to as “adventurers,” ISFPs are open-minded people who enjoy experiencing new adventures with a sense of optimism and warmth. So can ISFPs be doctors?
Many ISFPs exhibit the skills, knowledge, and aptitude to become amazing doctors! Examples of ISFP strengths in medicine include their passion, empathy, and curiosity. However, ISFPs should seek support from coworkers, as they are prone to bouts of low self-confidence.
Before we look at the personality traits of ISFPs to determine if they can become doctors; let’s first examine what personality traits make a good doctor and then cross-reference them with the strengths and weaknesses of ISFPs:
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.
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 a 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
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 ISFP Strengths?
There are five strengths ISFPs typically possess:
- ISFPs are likable,
- ISFPs are empathetic,
- ISFPs are creative,
- ISFPs are passionate,
- ISFPs are curious.
1. ISFPs Are Likable
While introverted, ISFPs have good communication skills and an infectious passion for life. Consequently, they are very likable and find themselves making friends with ease. Being likable is an essential trait for doctors, as it is a sign of emotional intelligence and bedside manners.
2. ISFPs Are Empathetic
ISFPs are empathetic people that will go the extra mile to assist those in need. Doctors are often expected to work long hours under challenging conditions; therefore, being compassionate to the blight of their patients helps to keep them motivated!
3. ISFPs Are Creative
ISFPs are known for being unique, creative, and artistic. While often overlooked, being creative and an out-of-the-box thinker helps ISFP engage with complex medical and scientific challenges (see below for more detail.)
4. ISFPs Are Passionate
ISFPs are passionate about life and their careers (provided they find themselves in a job that suits them.) Passionate doctors are often persistent and enjoy the challenges of the medical profession.
5. ISFPs Are Curious
Finally, ISFPs are curious and enjoy learning new things. Fortunately, the speed of medical advancement and the various problems an ISFP will face on a daily basis will help feed this curiosity!
What Are ISFP Weaknesses?
There are four weaknesses ISFPs typically possess:
- ISFPs are unpredictable,
- ISFPs are easily stressed,
- ISFPs are overly competitive,
- ISFPs have low self-esteem.
1. ISFPs Are Unpredictable
Because ISFPs are happy to explore different methods/ways of accomplishing their goals, they can be unpredictable. However, being unpredictable is not advisable in the medical profession, as success relies on tried and tested methodology.
2. ISFPs Are Easily Stressed
ISFPs are prone to stress and can become uncomfortable/demotivated under challenging situations. While being a doctor can be a stressful career, ISFPs are team players that should rely on nursing staff, hospital staff, etc., to help them manage their stress levels as a doctor.
3. ISFPs Are Overly Competitive
While ISFPs are passionate, this passion can extend to overly competitive and unsportsmanlike behavior. However, being competitive is a good thing, as medical schools are notoriously challenging and competitive (see below for further details.)
4. ISFPs Have Low Self-Esteem
Finally, ISFPs thrive off positive reinforcement, meaning they seldom take constructive criticism well and can become uncomfortable when faced with conflict.
While lacking self-confidence can be detrimental to a career in medicine, doctors are encouraged to seek support from other medical staff to keep them motivated!
Can ISFPs Survive Medical School And Become Doctors?
Although medical school is one of the hardest courses a student can take at university, since it’s a combination of academic skills, practical skills, and people skills, many ISFPs have been known to excel at medicine.
The primary reason is that ISFPs have the academic knowledge and drive to forge careers in science/medicine (see below for further details) while having the competitive edge and passion needed to prove their worth and digest the massive quantities of work at medical school.
Are ISFPs Good At Science?
Being good at science and math is necessary for students looking to become doctors; fortunately, ISFPs have a natural hunger for knowledge and curiosity that makes them well suited to a career in medicine/science.
As “adventurers,” other jobs in science that ISFPs may enjoy, over and above medicine, include:
- Environmental scientist,
- Vet,
- Researcher,
- Occupational therapist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although being a doctor is a demanding career path that few people can accomplish. Many ISFPs are well suited to a career in medicine and can comfortably meet the demands/pressures of medical school and practice!
