Parallel Perspectives of Patients and Doctors on Traits of a Good Doctor: A Cross-Sectional Study

Parallel Perspectives of Patients and Doctors on Traits of a Good Doctor: A Cross-Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Parallel Perspectives of Patients and Doctors on Traits of a Good Doctor: A Cross-Sectional Study Jamal Azfar Khan This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7321297/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 18 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background In the context of growing emphasis on patient-centered care and professionalism, identifying what traits are considered important in a 'good doctor' is a bioethical imperative. This study explores how patients and physicians perceive these traits and the extent of their alignment. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 339 patients and 70 physicians (28 consultants and 42 residents) was conducted using structured questionnaires at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Participants selected the top three traits they believed defined a good doctor. Results Results revealed that both patients and doctors ranked "listening to the patient attentively and patiently" as the most important trait. However, patients prioritized humanistic qualities such as respect, encouragement, and hope, particularly those with lower formal education, who also valued confidentiality and an informal approach. In contrast, more patients that were educated emphasized professional traits like staying updated with medical advancements and clear explanations of diseases and treatments. Doctors, especially consultants, valued professional expertise, including explaining medical conditions and staying current with new developments, while residents emphasized a mix of humanistic and professional traits, including confidentiality and teaching ability. Conclusion Patients and doctors share some expectations but differ significantly in prioritizing humanistic versus professional traits. Recognizing and addressing these gaps is crucial for culturally competent and ethically sound care. Doctor-patient relation ethics humanism Pakistan patient-centered care professionalism Introduction The doctor-patient relationship is central in the provision of healthcare services. Several studies have been conducted around the world to determine the characteristics of a good doctor. The criteria of a good doctor are subjective, varying according to the person defining them. Some people consider professional competence to be the most important criterion for a good doctor. Others prioritize certain personal attributes over professional competence.[ 1 ] A majority of the studies seek the opinion of the patients or the public, with only a few studies taking perspectives of doctors and medical students. The studies comparing patients’ and doctors’ opinions are even fewer. The patients’ opinions about the characteristics of a good doctor are varied. In many studies, the patients prioritize the non-cognitive skills over technical expertise for a good doctor.[ 2 , 3 ] However, in other studies, the patients opined that professional competence was the foremost desired attribute of a good doctor.[ 4 , 5 ] The doctors’ views on the characteristics of a good doctor have been explored in very few research studies, and are just as varied (Jones 2013 and Setlhare 2023).[ 6 , 7 ] A review of the literature from Pakistan indicates that there is limited empirical data on the qualities of a good doctor. Moreover, no research study from Pakistan has compared the patients' perspectives on the attributes of a good doctor with those of the doctors themselves. The expectations of patients and doctors regarding ideal physician traits are shaped by an interplay of cultural norms, religious values, and the specific structure of the local healthcare system.[ 8 , 9 ] Within the distinct context of Pakistan, assumptions that Western-centric models of a "good doctor" are universally applicable may be inadequate. Consequently, it is important to empirically investigate the potential for divergent or convergent views between patients and doctors regarding their perceptions of a good doctor. This study was conducted to identify these context-specific perspectives at PNS HAFEEZ Hospital in Islamabad, a 250-bedded tertiary care facility. The diverse patient population served by this hospital, which includes defense forces personnel, their families, and civilians from Islamabad and other areas of the country, provides a unique opportunity to explore the varied perceptions of a good doctor in a diverse population. The research question was: What are the patients’ and doctors’ perspectives about the traits of a “good doctor” in a tertiary care hospital of Islamabad? The study objectives were as follows: To determine the opinions of physicians and patients about desirable traits of a “good doctor” in the studied cohort in a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad. To compare the opinions of doctors and patients regarding these traits. Methodology Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional observational study designed to investigate the doctors’ and the patients’ perspectives regarding the most desirable traits of a good doctor using a structured questionnaire. Study Setting: The study was conducted in PNS HAFEEZ Hospital Islamabad. Study Population: The study population consisted of doctors (consultants and residents) and patients attending the hospital (in outpatient department). There were 70 doctors (28 consultants and 42 residents) working in clinical specialties including Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and Ophthalmology. They included civilian as well as military doctors. The majority of the consultants were in uniform while the majority of the residents were civilian. The doctors, whether in uniform or civilian, came from different parts of the country and had diverse backgrounds. Inclusion of specialists as well as residents provided perspective of young as well as experienced doctors in the study. Around 2500 civilian patients attend the OPDs monthly. Only civilian patients were included in the study by the Principal Investigator (PI) so that the ethical issue of power differential between the patients serving in the armed forces and the PI (an in-service military doctor) could minimize. Sample Selection: a. Inclusion criteria · Licensed medical doctors, including consultants and residents, actively working in clinical specialties and involved in direct patient care. · Civilian/non-military patients aged 18 years and above attending outpatient clinics in Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, Gynecology, ENT, and Ophthalmology departments. · Individuals who provide informed consent for participation. b. Exclusion criteria From among those who meet the inclusion criteria, the following individuals were excluded: · Allied medical professionals (e.g., pharmacists, physiotherapists), as the study focused on licensed medical doctors involved in direct patient care. · Doctors working in non-clinical roles (e.g., hospital administrators, pathologists), since the study targeted clinicians actively engaged in patient interactions. · Serving and retired armed forces personnel and their family members receiving treatment as patients, to avoid potential response bias due to shared institutional affiliation with the PI. · Patients who were under the direct care of the Principal Investigator, to avoid any perception of coercion or influence. · Patients presenting in the Emergency Department, due to time constraints and the acute nature of their conditions, which may hinder informed participation. · Any doctors or patients who declined to provide informed consent for participation. Sample technique and size For the doctors, purposive sampling was employed ensure the inclusion of a diverse range of practitioners who could provide rich perspectives on the traits of a good doctor. For patients, a non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed due to logistical constraints, particularly the researcher’s clinical responsibilities. Data collection was carried out in the evenings (4:00 PM to 8:00 PM), which allowed access to a varied group of patients visiting outpatient clinics during that time. Efforts were made to include patients of different ages, genders, and clinical backgrounds to enhance the variability of responses. The sample size for the patients was determined using Raosoft online sample size calculator (http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html). Considering that almost 2500 patients visit PNS HAFEEZ Hospital every month, the following parameters were set in Raosoft online sample size calculator: Margin of error 5%, confidence level 95% and population size 2500. The minimum required sample size for patients was calculated to be 334. To account for potential incomplete responses and to ensure the study's statistical power, a total of 339 patients were recruited and participated in the study. All 339 completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Study Instrument The questionnaire used in this study was adapted from a validated instrument originally developed by Ami Schattner et al., which explored the perceptions of patients and physicians regarding the traits of an excellent doctor.[10] Their instrument identified three core domains: (1) professional excellence and high-quality care, (2) humanism and patient support, and (3) respect for patient autonomy and preferences. It consisted of 21 attributes (7 per domain), validated through expert review and piloting among patients and physicians. Using Schattner’s model as a foundation, the Principal Investigator (PI) developed a modified version tailored to the sociocultural context of Pakistan. Content validity was ensured through consultation with thesis supervisors, review of literature on Pakistani patient–doctor dynamics, and feedback from doctors and patients during the pilot phase. Given Pakistan’s collectivist and family-centric medical decision-making culture, the domain of "patient autonomy" was excluded, as autonomy in its individualistic Western sense may not reflect local values.[11] Decision-making in Pakistani clinical practice often involves family members rather than the individual patient, which limits the applicability of the autonomy domain in this context. Instead, the questionnaire focused on two domains: professional expertise and humanism, incorporating 12 total attributes—six from each domain. In addition to attributes derived from Schattner’s model, a few culturally relevant items were added based on empirical literature and pre-testing feedback, thereby enhancing contextual content validity.[12, 13] The final questionnaire had two sections: Section 1 gathered demographic data (age, gender, education, years of experience, and specialty). Section 2 listed 12 randomized attributes of a good doctor. Participants were asked to select any three attributes they considered most important. The attributes in their respective domains are as under: a. Domain of professional expertise: · Is foreign-trained. · Has extensive experience of many years. · Is a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors. · Is current with new developments in medicine. · Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly. · Is proficient in medical research and has many publications. b. Domain of humanism: · Listens to the patient attentively and patiently. · Does not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status. · Gives encouragement and hope to the patient. · Guards the patient’s secrets. · Is friendly, informal and jokes with you. · Is not distant or arrogant but treats you with respect. The domain names were not revealed to respondents, and attributes were presented in a non-clustered, randomized format to minimize response bias. Piloting the Questionnaire (Validity and Reliability) The initial draft was reviewed by faculty with expertise in medical ethics and internal medicine to ensure face and content validity. A pilot version of the questionnaire was administered to five doctors and five patients to assess clarity, cultural relevance, and comprehensibility. The pilot data was excluded from the final analysis. The participants found the rationale clear and the questions easily understandable. However, they had difficulty understanding a few of the Urdu sentences. Revisions were made based on the feedback (particularly for Urdu phrasing). The questionnaire was then piloted a second pilot to confirm improved clarity and understanding. Although formal psychometric validation (e.g., factor analysis, internal consistency testing) was not performed due to the small sample size and the descriptive nature of the study, consistency in participant feedback across two pilot phases supports the questionnaire’s preliminary reliability. Additionally, the structural foundation of the questionnaire was based on a previously validated instrument, adding credibility to the adapted version. Ethics Review Committee (ERC) Approval A presentation of the research proposal was given to the Scientific Research Committee of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) and its approval obtained on 20 Oct 2023. ERC approval was also obtained separately from PNS HAFEEZ Hospital (492/06 dated 24 Oct 2023) and SIUT (SIUT-ERC-2023/A-459 dated 4 Nov 2023) before data collection. A waiver for written informed consent was also given by the ERCs. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. Data collection procedure After obtaining ethics approval, the PI personally collected the data, adhering to the following steps and ethical considerations: a. Data Collection from Patients: The survey was conducted in the hospital’s OPDs between 1 January and 15 April 2024 during evening hours. To create a relaxed and approachable environment for patients, the PI wore civilian attire instead of a military uniform, scrubs, or a white coat. Every third patient seated in the OPD waiting area was approached, and the study was explained to them. If the patient agreed to participate, they were guided to a private room to ensure confidentiality. In line with cultural norms and hospital policy, female patients were always accompanied by a female staff member or a relative. Elderly male patients were also given the option to be accompanied, in keeping with societal expectations of respect and care for elders. In the private room, the PI read the consent document aloud to the patient, ensuring that relatives were not allowed to influence the patient's responses. An information sheet written in simple Urdu—avoiding medical jargon—was used to explain the study's rationale, the questionnaire format, confidentiality measures, and the voluntary nature of participation. Each patient received a copy of this sheet and was encouraged to ask questions. Verbal agreement to proceed with the questionnaire was considered as informed consent. The PI personally administered the questionnaire, reading all items aloud to accommodate patients who were unable to read or who felt more comfortable with verbal delivery. Each session lasted approximately 15 minutes. b. Data Collection from Consultants: Appointments were scheduled with the consultants, and each was met individually at their respective clinics at the designated time. During these meetings, the PI provided a brief overview of the study and handed each consultant a printed information sheet along with the self-administered questionnaire. Consultants were requested to complete the questionnaire within two days. The PI returned to their clinics 48 hours later to collect the completed forms. c. Data Collection from Residents: The PI requested the hospital administration to allocate an additional 60 minutes to the weekly clinical meetings, which are mandatory for residents except those on essential duties. Each meeting was attended by approximately 15–20 residents, and the process was repeated three times to ensure participation from all residents. During the allotted time at the end of each meeting, the PI introduced the study to the residents, distributed the information sheet and questionnaire, and responded to any questions. To minimize potential bias, the PI then left the room and assigned a colleague to oversee the distribution and collection of the completed forms. Residents were instructed not to communicate with one another while filling out the questionnaire, in order to maintain the independence of their responses. The PI waited in an adjacent room during this process. The completed questionnaires were collected immediately after completion. Ethical Issues Related to the Study a. Privacy, Confidentiality and Informed Consent: Participant confidentiality was maintained by anonymizing the questionnaires, without collecting personal identifiers like names or addresses. No clinical data was collected. Participants did not sign a consent form; instead, reading the form and agreeing to participate was considered as informed consent. Patients completed the questionnaire in a separate room to ensure privacy. Completed questionnaires were numbered and securely stored in a locked cupboard in the PI’s office. A password-protected personal laptop was used to enter data in SPSS. b. Power Differential between the Researcher and the Respondents: A power differential existed between the PI as a doctor, and the patients. To address this, the consent document explicitly stated that participation was voluntary and that declining would not affect their medical care. The fact that five patients chose not to participate suggests that they felt free to refuse. The PI also did not dress in scrubs or wore a white coat to minimize any sense of intimidation, though the underlying doctor-patient power dynamic may have persisted. While the PI introduced himself as a doctor conducting research, awareness of his medical role could still have influenced participation. Of the five patients who declined, four cited their imminent consultation as the reason, while one did not provide an explanation. None of the doctors refused participation. As a well-known consultant in Internal Medicine, the PI was familiar to all doctors through his involvement in hospital activities such as the weekly Clinico-Pathological Conferences (CPCs). Although one might assume that residents could feel pressured to participate due to the PI’s authoritative position, even senior consultants readily agreed to participate. Anonymity and the lack of personal questions likely encouraged the participants to express their views freely. Results There were 339 patients who participated in the study, with 215 (63.4%) visiting the medicine and allied outpatient departments (Medicine and Dermatology) and 124 (36.6%) attending the surgery and allied departments (Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Gynecology). 41.9% of them were under 40 years of age, 31.6% were between 40 and 59 years, and the remaining were 60 years or older. The majority of the patients (64.3%) were male, and 54% had 12 or fewer years of formal education, while 46% had pursued higher education. The demographic data of the patients is presented in Table 1. Table 1: Patients’ Demographic Data Frequency (n=339) Percentage (%) Age Under 40 142 41.9 40-59 107 31.6 60+ 90 26.5 Sex Female 121 35.7 Male 218 64.3 Education 12 yrs. or less 183 54.0 Bachelors 156 46 Department Medicine 158 46.6 Dermatology 57 16.8 ENT 16 4.7 Gynecology 49 14.5 Ophthalmology 21 6.2 Surgery 38 11.2 A total of 70 doctors participated in the study, comprising 28 consultants and 42 residents. All the residents were under the age of 40, while the majority of the consultants (20 out of 28) were between 40 and 59 years old. In terms of gender distribution, 71% of the residents were female and 29% were male, whereas the gender ratio among the consultants was 50:50, with 14 males and 14 females. The demographic data of the doctors (residents and consultants) is presented in Table 2. Table 2: Demographic Data of Doctors (Residents and Consultants) Residents (n=42) n (%) Consultants (n=28) n (%) Age (years) Under 40 42 (100) 7 (25) 40-59 0 20 (71.43) 60 and above 0 1 (3.57) Sex Male 12 (28.57) 14 (50) Female 30 (71.43) 14 (50) Years of Service 1-10 42 (100) 1 (3.57) 11-20 0 17 (60.71) 21-30 0 7 (25) 31 and above 0 3 (10.71) Department Medicine and allied Medicine 19 (45.24) 10 (35.71) Dermatology 0 (0) 2 (7.14) Total 19 12 Surgery and allied General Surgery 8 (19.05) 7 (25) Gynecology 11 (26.19) 4 (14.28) Ophthalmology 4 (9.52) 2 (7.14) ENT 0 (0) 3 (10.71) Total 23 16 The various attributes of a good doctor, as selected by the patients and the doctors from the given questionnaire, are given in Table 3. Table 3: Comparison of Patients’ and Doctors’ Selection of Attributes of a Good Doctor Domain Attributes Patients’ Responses Doctors’ Responses p value n=339 % n=70 % Domain of professional expertise Is foreign-trained 17 5.0 3 4.3 .79 Has extensive experience of many years 53 15.6 4 5.7 .03 Is a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors 52 15.3 21 30 .00 Is current with new developments in medicine 70 20.6 27 38.6 .00 Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly 110 32.4 32 45.7 .03 Is proficient in medical research and has many publications 11 3.2 1 1.4 .41 Domain of humanism Is not arrogant but treats you with respect 159 46.9 26 37.1 .13 Is friendly, informal and jokes with you 52 15.3 1 1.4 0.00 Guards the patient's secrets 61 18.0 20 28.6 .04 Gives encouragement and hope to the patient 138 40.7 12 17.1 .00 Does not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status 119 35.1 20 28.6 .29 Listens to the patient attentively and patiently 175 51.6 43 61.4 .13 The comparison between patients’ and doctors’ selections of attributes of a good doctor revealed that the most frequently chosen attribute by both groups was "listens to the patient attentively and patiently." For patients, the next most preferred attributes were "treats the patient with respect and is not arrogant," followed by "gives encouragement and hope." This indicated that, from the patients’ perspective, the top three attributes of a good doctor were within the domain of humanism. In contrast, from the doctors' perspective, after listening to the patient, the next most valued attributes were from the domain of professional expertise: "explains the disease, treatment, and side effects clearly" and " Is current with new developments in medicine." The patients’ education level had a significant association, wherein the patients having 12 or fewer years of formal education demonstrating preference for the domain of humanism for a good doctor (p=0.00). They chose “Is friendly, informal and jokes with you” and “Guards the patient's secrets” significantly more than the patients with higher formal education did. Concurrently, a significantly higher number of patients with higher education (bachelors and above) preferred the professional attributes “Is current with new developments in medicine” (p=.00) and “Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly” (p=.00). The results are tabulated in Table 4. Table 4: Comparison of Preference of Attributes of a Good Doctor According to Different Levels of Patients’ Education Domain Attributes Patients with 12 years or lesser education (n=183) Patients with Bachelors or higher education (n=156) p value Frequency % Frequency % Domain of Professional expertise Is foreign-trained 9 4.92 8 5.13 .93 Has extensive experience of many years 29 15.85 24 15.38 .91 Is a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors 30 16.39 22 14.1 .56 Is current with new developments in medicine 23 12.57 47 30.13 .00 Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly 47 25.68 63 40.38 .00 Is proficient in medical research and has many publications 3 1.64 8 5.13 .07 Domain of humanism Is not arrogant but treats you with respect 89 48.63 70 44.87 .49 Is friendly, informal and jokes with you 36 19.67 16 10.26 .02 Guards the patient's secrets 41 22.40 20 12.82 .02 Gives encouragement and hope to the patient 78 42.62 60 38.46 .44 Does not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status 67 36.61 52 33.33 .53 Listens to the patient attentively and patiently 97 53 78 50 .58 The attributes of a good doctor, as chosen by the residents and consultants, are compared in Table 5. Table 5: Comparison of Residents’ and Consultants’ Selection of Attributes of a Good Doctor Domain Attributes Residents’ Responses Consultants’ Responses p value Frequency n=42 % Frequency n=28 % Domain of professional expertise Is foreign-trained 2 4.76 1 3.57 .81 Has extensive experience of many years 3 7.14 1 3.57 .53 Is a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors 16 38.09 5 17.86 .07 Is current with new developments in medicine 12 28.57 15 53.57 .03 Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly 16 38.09 16 57.14 .12 Is proficient in medical research and has many publications 1 2.38 0 0 .41 Domain of humanism Is not arrogant but treats you with respect 15 35.71 11 39.28 .76 Is friendly, informal and jokes with you 0 0 1 3.57 .22 Guards the patient's secrets 16 38.09 4 14.28 .03 Gives encouragement and hope to the patient 8 19.05 4 14.28 .60 Does not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status 13 30.95 7 28 .59 Listens to the patient attentively and patiently 24 57.14 19 67.86 .37 Both the residents and consultants chose listening to the patient attentively the highest number of times as the preferred attribute of a good doctor. The consultants considered familiarity with advancements in medicine to be a significantly more important attribute (p=0.03). The residents preferred the attribute of confidentiality significantly more than the consultants did (p=0.03). The consultants considered familiarity with advancements in medicine to be a significantly more important attribute (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference of opinion noted in any of the other attributes of a good doctor in the perspectives of the residents and the consultants. There was no statistically significant difference in the perceptions of doctors who worked in medicine and allied or surgery and allied departments. Discussion A review of literature reveals that different studies from different parts of the world show that doctors and patients have varied preferences regarding the traits of a good doctor. The results of my study have also shown that there are differences of opinions between doctors and patients on this subject, and that there are many nuances. a. The Patients’ and the Doctors’ Perspectives: First, I will discuss the top three attributes of a good doctor in the opinion of patients and doctors. The Patients’ Perspective: (1) Listening to the patient attentively and patiently: The most frequently chosen attribute of a good doctor by patients in this study was attentive and patient listening. This aligns with multiple studies emphasizing listening as a core trait of an effective physician. For example, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati et al. conducted a qualitative study in Shiraz, Iran, where participants described a good doctor as kind, empathetic, and a good listener.[ 14 ] Similarly, a survey of 580 people by Christoph Schnelle et al. concluded that “listening to patients willingly to the end” is a highly valued characteristic.[ 15 ] This reflects a shift from “listen to the doctor” model to “listen to the patient” paradigm in contemporary healthcare.[ 16 ] Listening involves more than just hearing words—it requires attention to unspoken cues, non-verbal communication, and mutual engagement. Ronald M. Epstein et al. emphasize that “patients highly value being listened to, taken seriously, heard, and understood,” which is essential to alleviate suffering.[ 17 ] In Pakistan, healthcare faces challenges like overcrowding and limited resources, often resulting in brief doctor-patient interactions.[ 18 ] For instance, Aisha Jalil et al. reported that doctors typically spend less than two minutes per patient in outpatient clinics. This may explain why attentive listening stands out as a key quality patients seek in a good doctor.[ 19 ] Furthermore, given Pakistan’s diverse literacy levels and healthcare access, patients may struggle to express their concerns clearly. When doctors listen patiently, patients feel respected and valued—a principle deeply rooted in Pakistani culture.[ 20 ] (2) Treating the patient with respect: Respect for patients was the second most frequently chosen trait of a good doctor by participants in this study. Respect and attentive listening are closely linked—one often reinforces the other. In fact, the most frequently chosen trait in this study was attentive listening, which patients commonly associate with being treated respectfully.[ 21 ] However, the perception of respect can differ between doctors and patients. Hiroyasu Goami’s questionnaire-based study in Japan found that while many doctors believed they demonstrated respect, patients often felt otherwise—largely due to ineffective communication.[ 22 ] The preference of this trait by the patients becomes all the more important in Pakistani context, as Aisha Jalil et al. reported that some doctors in Pakistan displayed attitudes of superiority and false pride.[ 19 ] Patients are generally highly perceptive to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and they can easily sense whether they are being respected or dismissed during interactions with their physicians. Respect is a fundamental element of medical professionalism and ethics.[ 23 ] It reflects recognition of the patient’s inherent dignity and must be shown unconditionally to all individuals.[ 24 ] (3) Gives encouragement and hope to the patient: In this study, 41% of patients selected “giving hope and encouragement” as a key trait of a good doctor, compared to only 17% of doctors. This disparity highlights how patients strongly associate communication, empathy, and emotional support with quality healthcare. As Muhammad Atif Waqar, a palliative care physician in Pakistan, observes, “We, as a society, tend to value hope”—a sentiment reflected in patients’ preference for doctors who offer reassurance during consultations.[ 25 ] Hope plays a vital role in a patient’s quality of life and overall well-being. Studies show that patients actively seek physicians who validate and nurture their sense of hope.[ 26 ] James Tulsky emphasizes the delicate balance patients desire: “Patients want physicians to achieve a balance between being honest and straightforward and not discouraging hope.”[ 27 ] These findings underline the need to sensitize doctors to the emotional dimensions of care, particularly the value patients place on receiving hope and encouragement. Overall, this study reveals that patients overwhelmingly prioritize humanistic qualities—such as respect, attentive listening, and compassion—as defining traits of a good doctor. Humanism: The preferred Domain of the Patients for a Good Doctor: This study revealed that patients tend to value humanistic traits in doctors—such as attentive listening, respectful behavior, and emotional connection—over purely technical skills. Similar findings have been reported in other settings. For example, Tahir et al. conducted a study in Lahore, Pakistan, involving 600 patient interviews about their expectations and satisfaction with tertiary healthcare. Patients emphasized the importance of time, access, and the provider’s behavior—all of which reflect humanistic dimensions of care.[ 28 ] Likewise, Ahmady et al., in a qualitative study from Iran, noted that patients and their families identified the humanistic traits of kindness, a good temper, and warmth as central characteristics of a good doctor.[ 29 ] In the context of this study, patients may have preferred humanistic qualities for several reasons. First, when doctors demonstrate compassion and empathy, patients feel genuinely cared for and respected—leading to increased trust and satisfaction.[ 30 ] Second, a humanistic approach fosters holistic care by addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of illness.[ 31 ] Lastly, humaneness in clinical interactions can empower patients, encouraging them to participate more actively in their health decisions. While this study provides meaningful insights into the perspectives of patients and doctors within a Pakistani tertiary care setting, drawing direct comparisons with studies from other cultural contexts is challenging. Existing literature shows considerable variability in findings, even among studies conducted within similar sociocultural settings. This inconsistency reflects the complex and context-dependent nature of patient and doctor expectations. Moreover, broad-based, nationally representative studies that can reliably claim to reflect cultural norms are lacking in many regions, including Pakistan. Therefore, while some trends—such as the preference for humanistic traits—appear recurrent, they should be interpreted with caution. The current study thus contributes as an exploratory, context-specific investigation and underscores the need for larger, multi-center, and cross-cultural studies to develop a deeper and more generalizable understanding of the desirable attributes of a good doctor. The Doctors’ Perspective: (1) Listening to the patient: Listening attentively and patiently was the most frequently chosen trait of a good doctor by both doctors and patients in this study. This alignment reflects a shared recognition of its central role in clinical practice. Doctors may have prioritized listening not only because it facilitates accurate diagnosis, but also because it embodies the humanistic side of medicine. As Carolyn E. Reed noted, “We can preserve our humanism by cultivating in ourselves and our residents the art of listening and touching”.[ 32 ] Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of listening for effective medical care.[ 33 , 6 ] In the Pakistani context, Rahman et al. (2019) conducted interviews with patients and healthcare providers in Karachi and found that both groups regarded active communication as essential to patient-centered care. However, many studies tend to differ in their findings. A systematic review by Verena Steiner-Hofbauer et al., involving 20 studies, found that doctors more often emphasized medical competence, while patients prioritized communication and autonomy.[ 34 ] The doctors in this study cohort appeared more attuned to the value of attentive listening, likely reflecting growing awareness of its role in humanistic care. Moreover, in Pakistan’s overburdened public healthcare system,[ 35 ] many patients feel rushed through consultations—71% believe doctors do not spend enough time with them.[ 19 ] Doctors may be aware of these systemic limitations and, by emphasizing listening, express their own recognition of what is lacking in current clinical practice and what ideally should be upheld. (2) Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly In this study, 46% of the doctors identified the ability to explain the disease, treatment options, and potential side effects clearly as a key trait of a good doctor. This aligns with findings from previous studies that emphasize effective communication as a fundamental quality in medical professionalism.[ 36 ] Doctors may value this trait because it helps foster trust in the doctor–patient relationship. Patients often interpret being well-informed as a sign of respect and involvement in their care.[ 37 ] Thom narrated that behaviors such as answering questions and providing clear explanations were positively correlated with patients’ trust in their physicians.[ 38 ] Higher levels of trust, in turn, are associated with greater treatment adherence and satisfaction.[ 39 ] These findings suggest that for doctors, effective explanation is not just a technical skill but also a humanistic one, directly linked to better patient outcomes. (3) Is current with new developments in medicine Another trait valued by the doctors in this study was staying updated with medical advancements. This emphasis reflects the dynamic nature of medical knowledge and the growing expectations for physicians to incorporate emerging evidence into clinical practice.[ 40 , 41 ] Yamaguchi et al. also noted that patients often consult online resources and look to doctors for validation.[ 42 ] Thus, clinicians in this study likely prioritize staying updated to ensure safe, evidence-based care, adapt to rapidly evolving medical advances, and meet the expectations of increasingly informed patients. These reasons reflect both professional responsibility and practical necessity and may be explored further in future studies. b. Role of formal education among patients: While both patient groups—those with lower and higher formal education—favored humanistic attributes in a good doctor, such as attentive listening and respectful behavior, there were noteworthy differences in specific preferences based on educational attainment. Patients with less formal education placed greater value on humanistic traits such as a doctor maintaining an informal atmosphere and ensuring confidentiality. In contrast, patients with higher levels of education emphasized professional attributes like explaining the disease and its management clearly, and staying up-to-date with medical advancements. This trend is supported by international findings. For example, a study by Karen Dopelt et al. conducted in Israel found that individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to value friendliness and warmth in physicians.[ 43 ] This may reflect a desire for relational comfort and emotional safety in the face of perceived power imbalances. In Pakistan, such a preference may be amplified by sociocultural hierarchies and the significant doctor–patient power differential. As Blanquicett et al. note, patients with lower education levels may feel intimidated by physicians, due to a perceived disparity in knowledge and status.[ 44 ] An informal tone or light humor by the doctor may help alleviate this discomfort, reduce relational barriers, and encourage more communication that is open. Another significant preference among less formally educated patients was confidentiality. Rothenfluh et al., who observed similar attitudes among socially vulnerable populations in Italy, echo this finding.[ 45 ] Lower educational attainment often correlates with increased social vulnerability.[ 46 ] Patients from such groups may fear loss of dignity or exposure to stigma if sensitive health information is disclosed. In particular, conditions with strong societal stigma—such as mental illness or sexually transmitted infections—may be perceived as threats to social standing, resulting in heightened concern over confidentiality.[ 47 , 48 ] Conversely, patients with higher formal education placed greater emphasis on professional traits like explaining medical conditions and treatment plans clearly and remaining current with advances in medicine. This can be attributed to better health literacy among educated individuals, which leads to a stronger desire for shared decision-making and comprehensive medical information.[ 49 , 50 ] Furthermore, as Lleras-Muney has shown, highly educated individuals are more likely to adopt new medical technologies and treatments. [ 51 ] These findings highlight the nuanced role that education plays in shaping patient expectations. They also point toward the need for context-sensitive communication strategies: doctors may need to tailor their approach according to the patient’s level of health literacy and preferred interaction style. Understanding and adapting to these preferences may improve satisfaction and trust across diverse patient populations. c. Differences between residents’ and consultants’ responses: Another significant aspect of the results was the divergence in perceptions between residents and consultants regarding the attributes of a good doctor. Both groups predominantly endorsed “listening to the patient” as an essential trait. However, beyond that, consultants leaned more towards professional attributes such as explaining the disease and its management, and being current with medical advancements. This emphasis on professionalism among senior physicians is consistent with findings from other international studies. For instance, Setlhare et al. also reported that experienced doctors placed a higher value on professional competencies.[ 6 ] In contrast, the responses from residents reflected a more balanced combination of humanistic and professional values. Their top choices included maintaining patient confidentiality, being a good teacher, explaining disease management, and treating patients with respect. This inclination toward a more holistic view of medical practice may reflect the influence of contemporary medical education and recent bioethics training, which emphasize both professionalism and patient-centered care. One notable finding is the higher prioritization of confidentiality by residents compared to consultants. Previous research in Pakistan has shown that confidentiality is often not maintained to Western standards, potentially due to systemic constraints such as overcrowding, lack of time, or insufficient training.[ 52 , 53 ] However, the increased awareness among younger doctors is encouraging. A study by Imran et al. reported that 90% of residents in two public sector hospitals considered patient confidentiality important, a finding that aligns with the responses of residents in the current study.[ 54 ] This shift in awareness may signal generational progress in ethical practice and should be explored further through longitudinal or interventional research. An intriguing dimension in the resident-consultant comparison is the gender distribution. In my cohort, 71% of residents were female, compared to 29% male, whereas the number of male and female consultants was equal. This suggests that although more women are now pursuing postgraduate medical education, fewer currently occupy senior or leadership roles. This phenomenon is not unique to Pakistan. McKinstry noted a global trend of increasing female enrollment in medical schools but relatively fewer women progressing to senior roles in medicine.[ 55 ] In Pakistan, sociocultural constraints and traditional gender roles often hinder women from sustaining long-term careers in medicine. A qualitative study by Moazam et al. explored this issue and found that many women, despite being qualified doctors, do not practice due to entrenched societal expectations and family pressures.[ 56 ] The current study’s finding that a majority of residents are female, however, signals a potential change in future demographics. If more women complete postgraduate training and enter specialist roles, the gender imbalance in senior medical positions may gradually diminish. Female doctors have been found to exhibit greater empathy and communication skills in patient care.[ 57 ] Therefore, a future increase in the number of female specialists could influence the prevailing values in the medical profession, potentially shifting the collective perception of a "good doctor" towards more humanistic attributes. This evolution in the professional landscape may have positive implications for patient satisfaction, trust, and outcomes. d. Traits least chosen: Only 1.4% of doctors considered proficiency in research as a defining characteristic of a good doctor. This reflects the historically low prioritization of research within Pakistan’s medical infrastructure, where clinical practice tends to overshadow academic inquiry.[ 58 ] Another underrepresented trait was extensive experience, chosen by only 15.6% of patients and 5.7% of doctors. This finding is particularly intriguing given that in South Asian societies, including Pakistan, older and more experienced individuals— especially those with higher educational backgrounds—are culturally associated with wisdom and competence.[ 59 ] Thus, the low selection of experience as an important trait contradicts cultural expectations and raises questions about shifting societal norms or specific sample-related dynamics. While the result could be due to the small sample size in this study, similar trends have been noted elsewhere.[ 60 ] This suggests a potential change in public perception, possibly favoring communication skills, up-to-date knowledge, and patient-centered care over traditional markers of seniority. Nonetheless, this phenomenon warrants further exploration through larger, more diverse studies. Another trait that was surprisingly low on the preference list was training abroad. Despite the common belief within Pakistani society and even among healthcare professionals that Western medical education is superior (Hossain et al., 2016), very few participants considered foreign training to be a hallmark of a good doctor.[ 61 ] In my study, only 5% of patients expressed a preference for foreign-trained doctors. One possible explanation is that patients generally hold a high degree of trust and expectation from their local physicians, regardless of where they trained.[ 62 ] Additionally, the consultants in the study may take professional pride in their affiliation with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), an institution internationally recognized for postgraduate medical education.[ 63 ] Furthermore, for residents, the lack of preference for foreign training might reflect the influence of local role models—most of whom themselves trained within Pakistan. These findings challenge several prevalent assumptions and indicate evolving expectations within the healthcare system. e. Implications This study offers preliminary insights into the differing perspectives of patients and doctors on the desirable attributes of a good doctor within a tertiary care setting in Pakistan. As a pilot study, its findings suggest the importance of both professional competence and humanistic qualities in medical practice, with patients placing greater emphasis on empathy, respectful communication, and emotional support. While these results highlight areas worth exploring further, larger and more diverse studies are needed to establish generalizable patterns across different healthcare settings and populations. Such research could inform contextually relevant revisions in medical curricula, communication skills training, and professional development programs. Over time, a clearer understanding of shared expectations between patients and doctors may help shape more patient-centered clinical practices and contribute to policies that better align medical education with societal values and healthcare needs in Pakistan. f. Suggestions for future research Future research should aim to include larger and more diverse samples from multiple healthcare institutions, including both public and private sectors, to enhance the generalizability of findings. Comparative studies across different regions, socio-economic groups, and healthcare settings in Pakistan could provide deeper insights into how cultural, educational, and institutional factors influence perceptions of a good doctor. Qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews or focus group discussions may also be employed to explore the nuances behind patients’ and doctors’ preferences. Additionally, longitudinal studies could examine how these perceptions evolve over time or in response to changes in medical training and healthcare delivery. Strengths of the Study This study explores the perspectives of both patients and doctors within the same clinical setting, offering a balanced and comparative view of what constitutes a "good doctor" from both ends of the healthcare relationship. Second, the study instrument was adapted from a previously validated questionnaire and further refined through a two-step piloting process, ensuring contextual relevance and clarity for the local population. Third, the inclusion of both consultants and residents among doctors, and patients from a variety of educational backgrounds, adds depth to the findings by capturing a range of experiences and expectations. Finally, conducting the study in a busy tertiary care hospital under real-world conditions enhances the practical relevance of the results and reflects the complex dynamics of clinical practice in Pakistan. Limitations of the Study First, it was conducted at a single tertiary care center, which limits the generalizability of the findings to the broader Pakistani population. Second, the sample size—particularly for the doctor group—was relatively small. The patient sampling method was non-random, based on convenience, which, while practical given the clinical workload and setting, introduces the possibility of selection bias, especially among patient participants. Second, as the principal investigator was a consultant physician and a military officer within the same hospital, there is a potential risk that some participants may have perceived implicit pressure to participate or may have been reluctant to express their views candidly. Third, although the questionnaire was administered in Urdu—the primary language understood by all respondents—some linguistic nuances may have been altered or lost during translation into English for the purpose of analysis and publication. These limitations were taken into consideration when interpreting the results, and caution is advised in extending the findings to other clinical or cultural contexts across Pakistan. Conclusion This study reveals a nuanced understanding of what patients and doctors in a Pakistani tertiary care hospital perceive as the preferred traits of a good doctor. Both groups ranked attentive listening as the most valued trait, highlighting its universal significance in patient care. However, perspectives diverged in other areas. The patients prioritized humanistic qualities, such as respect and hope, particularly those with less formal education, who valued confidentiality and an informal approach. In contrast, more formally educated patients preferred professional traits, such as staying up-to-date on medical advancements and disease explanation. Differences also emerged between doctors, with consultants favoring professional attributes like knowledge of new medical developments and explaining about disease management, while residents emphasized a blend of humanistic and professional traits, including confidentiality, respect, and teaching ability. These insights reflect the diverse expectations associated with the role of a good doctor, who is seen as both a skilled professional and a compassionate caregiver capable of catering to the varied needs of their patients. This balance of professional expertise and empathetic care is essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and the quality of healthcare delivery in Pakistan. Declarations Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: • Approved by ERCs of PNS HAFEEZ Hospital (492/06 dated 24 Oct 2023) and SIUT (SIUT-ERC-2023/A-459 dated 4 Nov 2023). Verbal informed consent obtained. Consent for Publication: • Not applicable. Competing Interests: • The author declares no competing interests. Funding: Self-funded. Author Contribution JAK conceptualized, designed, collected and analyzed data, and drafted the manuscript. Acknowledgement The author thanks Amna Mahmood for her valuable guidance in the statistical analysis. Data Availability Available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. References Hurwitz B, Vass A. What's a good doctor, and how can you make one? By marrying the applied scientist to the medical humanist. British Medical Journal Publishing Group; 2002. pp. 667–8. Borracci RA, Gallesio JMÁ, Ciambrone G, Matayoshi C, Rossi F, Cabrera S. 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12:24:41","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":15141,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementarymaterialAnnex1.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7321297/v1/48aecde698b5b488be8a095d.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Parallel Perspectives of Patients and Doctors on Traits of a Good Doctor: A Cross-Sectional Study","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe doctor-patient relationship is central in the provision of healthcare services. Several studies have been conducted around the world to determine the characteristics of a good doctor. The criteria of a good doctor are subjective, varying according to the person defining them. Some people consider professional competence to be the most important criterion for a good doctor. Others prioritize certain personal attributes over professional competence.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] A majority of the studies seek the opinion of the patients or the public, with only a few studies taking perspectives of doctors and medical students. The studies comparing patients\u0026rsquo; and doctors\u0026rsquo; opinions are even fewer.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe patients\u0026rsquo; opinions about the characteristics of a good doctor are varied. In many studies, the patients prioritize the non-cognitive skills over technical expertise for a good doctor.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e] However, in other studies, the patients opined that professional competence was the foremost desired attribute of a good doctor.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] The doctors\u0026rsquo; views on the characteristics of a good doctor have been explored in very few research studies, and are just as varied (Jones 2013 and Setlhare 2023).[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA review of the literature from Pakistan indicates that there is limited empirical data on the qualities of a good doctor. Moreover, no research study from Pakistan has compared the patients' perspectives on the attributes of a good doctor with those of the doctors themselves.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe expectations of patients and doctors regarding ideal physician traits are shaped by an interplay of cultural norms, religious values, and the specific structure of the local healthcare system.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] Within the distinct context of Pakistan, assumptions that Western-centric models of a \"good doctor\" are universally applicable may be inadequate. Consequently, it is important to empirically investigate the potential for divergent or convergent views between patients and doctors regarding their perceptions of a good doctor. This study was conducted to identify these context-specific perspectives at PNS HAFEEZ Hospital in Islamabad, a 250-bedded tertiary care facility. The diverse patient population served by this hospital, which includes defense forces personnel, their families, and civilians from Islamabad and other areas of the country, provides a unique opportunity to explore the varied perceptions of a good doctor in a diverse population.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe research question was: What are the patients\u0026rsquo; and doctors\u0026rsquo; perspectives about the traits of a \u0026ldquo;good doctor\u0026rdquo; in a tertiary care hospital of Islamabad?\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study objectives were as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo determine the opinions of physicians and patients about desirable traits of a \u0026ldquo;good doctor\u0026rdquo; in the studied cohort in a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo compare the opinions of doctors and patients regarding these traits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Design:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study is a cross-sectional observational study designed to investigate the doctors\u0026rsquo; and the patients\u0026rsquo; perspectives regarding the most desirable traits of a good doctor using a structured questionnaire.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Setting:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in PNS HAFEEZ Hospital Islamabad.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Population:\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study population consisted of doctors (consultants and residents) and patients attending the hospital (in outpatient department).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were 70 doctors (28 consultants and 42 residents) working in clinical specialties including Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and Ophthalmology. They included civilian as well as military doctors. The majority of the consultants were in uniform while the majority of the residents were civilian. The doctors, whether in uniform or civilian, came from different parts of the country and had diverse backgrounds. Inclusion of specialists as well as residents provided perspective of young as well as experienced doctors in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround 2500 civilian patients attend the OPDs monthly. Only civilian patients were included in the study by the Principal Investigator (PI) so that the ethical issue of power differential between the patients serving in the armed forces and the PI (an in-service military doctor) could minimize.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Selection:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Inclusion criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Licensed medical doctors, including consultants and residents, actively working in clinical specialties and involved in direct patient care.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Civilian/non-military patients aged 18 years and above attending outpatient clinics in Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, Gynecology, ENT, and Ophthalmology departments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Individuals who provide informed consent for participation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Exclusion criteria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom among those who meet the inclusion criteria, the following individuals were excluded:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Allied medical professionals (e.g., pharmacists, physiotherapists), as the study focused on licensed medical doctors involved in direct patient care.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Doctors working in non-clinical roles (e.g., hospital administrators, pathologists), since the study targeted clinicians actively engaged in patient interactions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Serving and retired armed forces personnel and their family members receiving treatment as patients, to avoid potential response bias due to shared institutional affiliation with the PI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Patients who were under the direct care of the Principal Investigator, to avoid any perception of coercion or influence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Patients presenting in the Emergency Department, due to time constraints and the acute nature of their conditions, which may hinder informed participation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Any doctors or patients who declined to provide informed consent for participation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample technique and size\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the doctors, purposive sampling was employed ensure the inclusion of a diverse range of practitioners who could provide rich perspectives on the traits of a good doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor patients, a non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed due to logistical constraints, particularly the researcher\u0026rsquo;s clinical responsibilities. Data collection was carried out in the evenings (4:00 PM to 8:00 PM), which allowed access to a varied group of patients visiting outpatient clinics during that time. Efforts were made to include patients of different ages, genders, and clinical backgrounds to enhance the variability of responses. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size for the patients was determined using Raosoft online sample size calculator (http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html). Considering that almost 2500 patients visit PNS HAFEEZ Hospital every month, the following parameters were set in Raosoft online sample size calculator: Margin of error 5%, confidence level 95% and population size 2500. The minimum required sample size for patients was calculated to be 334. To account for potential incomplete responses and to ensure the study\u0026apos;s statistical power, a total of 339 patients were recruited and participated in the study. All 339 completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Instrument\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe questionnaire used in this study was adapted from a validated instrument originally developed by Ami Schattner et al., which explored the perceptions of patients and physicians regarding the traits of an excellent doctor.[10] Their instrument identified three core domains: (1) professional excellence and high-quality care, (2) humanism and patient support, and (3) respect for patient autonomy and preferences. It consisted of 21 attributes (7 per domain), validated through expert review and piloting among patients and physicians.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing Schattner\u0026rsquo;s model as a foundation, the Principal Investigator (PI) developed a modified version tailored to the sociocultural context of Pakistan. Content validity was ensured through consultation with thesis supervisors, review of literature on Pakistani patient\u0026ndash;doctor dynamics, and feedback from doctors and patients during the pilot phase. Given Pakistan\u0026rsquo;s collectivist and family-centric medical decision-making culture, the domain of \u0026quot;patient autonomy\u0026quot; was excluded, as autonomy in its individualistic Western sense may not reflect local values.[11] Decision-making in Pakistani clinical practice often involves family members rather than the individual patient, which limits the applicability of the autonomy domain in this context. Instead, the questionnaire focused on two domains: professional expertise and humanism, incorporating 12 total attributes\u0026mdash;six from each domain. In addition to attributes derived from Schattner\u0026rsquo;s model, a few culturally relevant items were added based on empirical literature and pre-testing feedback, thereby enhancing contextual content validity.[12, 13]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final questionnaire had two sections:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSection 1 gathered demographic data (age, gender, education, years of experience, and specialty).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSection 2 listed 12 randomized attributes of a good doctor. Participants were asked to select any three attributes they considered most important. The attributes in their respective domains are as under:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Domain of professional expertise:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is foreign-trained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Has extensive experience of many years.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is current with new developments in medicine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is proficient in medical research and has many publications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Domain of humanism:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Listens to the patient attentively and patiently.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Does not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Gives encouragement and hope to the patient.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Guards the patient\u0026rsquo;s secrets.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is friendly, informal and jokes with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026middot; Is not distant or arrogant but treats you with respect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe domain names were not revealed to respondents, and attributes were presented in a non-clustered, randomized format to minimize response bias.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiloting the Questionnaire (Validity and Reliability)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe initial draft was reviewed by faculty with expertise in medical ethics and internal medicine to ensure face and content validity. A pilot version of the questionnaire was administered to five doctors and five patients to assess clarity, cultural relevance, and comprehensibility. The pilot data was excluded from the final analysis. The participants found the rationale clear and the questions easily understandable. However, they had difficulty understanding a few of the Urdu sentences. \u0026nbsp;Revisions were made based on the feedback (particularly for Urdu phrasing). The questionnaire was then piloted a second pilot to confirm improved clarity and understanding. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough formal psychometric validation (e.g., factor analysis, internal consistency testing) was not performed due to the small sample size and the descriptive nature of the study, consistency in participant feedback across two pilot phases supports the questionnaire\u0026rsquo;s preliminary reliability. Additionally, the structural foundation of the questionnaire was based on a previously validated instrument, adding credibility to the adapted version.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Review Committee (ERC) Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA presentation of the research proposal was given to the Scientific Research Committee of Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT) and its approval obtained on 20 Oct 2023. ERC approval was also obtained separately from PNS HAFEEZ Hospital (492/06 dated 24 Oct 2023) and SIUT (SIUT-ERC-2023/A-459 dated 4 Nov 2023) before data collection. \u0026nbsp;A waiver for written informed consent was also given by the ERCs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData collection procedure\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter obtaining ethics approval, the PI personally collected the data, adhering to the following steps and ethical considerations:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Data Collection from Patients:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe survey was conducted in the hospital\u0026rsquo;s OPDs between 1 January and 15 April 2024 during evening hours. To create a relaxed and approachable environment for patients, the PI wore civilian attire instead of a military uniform, scrubs, or a white coat. Every third patient seated in the OPD waiting area was approached, and the study was explained to them. If the patient agreed to participate, they were guided to a private room to ensure confidentiality.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn line with cultural norms and hospital policy, female patients were always accompanied by a female staff member or a relative. Elderly male patients were also given the option to be accompanied, in keeping with societal expectations of respect and care for elders.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the private room, the PI read the consent document aloud to the patient, ensuring that relatives were not allowed to influence the patient\u0026apos;s responses. An information sheet written in simple Urdu\u0026mdash;avoiding medical jargon\u0026mdash;was used to explain the study\u0026apos;s rationale, the questionnaire format, confidentiality measures, and the voluntary nature of participation. Each patient received a copy of this sheet and was encouraged to ask questions. Verbal agreement to proceed with the questionnaire was considered as informed consent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PI personally administered the questionnaire, reading all items aloud to accommodate patients who were unable to read or who felt more comfortable with verbal delivery. Each session lasted approximately 15 minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eb.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Data Collection from Consultants:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppointments were scheduled with the consultants, and each was met individually at their respective clinics at the designated time. During these meetings, the PI provided a brief overview of the study and handed each consultant a printed information sheet along with the self-administered questionnaire. Consultants were requested to complete the questionnaire within two days. The PI returned to their clinics 48 hours later to collect the completed forms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ec.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Data Collection from Residents:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PI requested the hospital administration to allocate an additional 60 minutes to the weekly clinical meetings, which are mandatory for residents except those on essential duties. Each meeting was attended by approximately 15\u0026ndash;20 residents, and the process was repeated three times to ensure participation from all residents.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the allotted time at the end of each meeting, the PI introduced the study to the residents, distributed the information sheet and questionnaire, and responded to any questions. To minimize potential bias, the PI then left the room and assigned a colleague to oversee the distribution and collection of the completed forms. Residents were instructed not to communicate with one another while filling out the questionnaire, in order to maintain the independence of their responses. The PI waited in an adjacent room during this process. The completed questionnaires were collected immediately after completion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eEthical Issues Related to the Study\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ea.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Privacy, Confidentiality and Informed Consent:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant confidentiality was maintained by anonymizing the questionnaires, without collecting personal identifiers like names or addresses. No clinical data was collected. Participants did not sign a consent form; instead, reading the form and agreeing to participate was considered as informed consent. Patients completed the questionnaire in a separate room to ensure privacy. Completed questionnaires were numbered and securely stored in a locked cupboard in the PI\u0026rsquo;s office. A password-protected personal laptop was used to enter data in SPSS.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eb. Power Differential between the Researcher and the Respondents:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA power differential existed between the PI as a doctor, and the patients. To address this, the consent document explicitly stated that participation was voluntary and that declining would not affect their medical care. The fact that five patients chose not to participate suggests that they felt free to refuse. The PI also did not dress in scrubs or wore a white coat to minimize any sense of intimidation, though the underlying doctor-patient power dynamic may have persisted. While the PI introduced himself as a doctor conducting research, awareness of his medical role could still have influenced participation. Of the five patients who declined, four cited their imminent consultation as the reason, while one did not provide an explanation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone of the doctors refused participation. As a well-known consultant in Internal Medicine, the PI was familiar to all doctors through his involvement in hospital activities such as the weekly Clinico-Pathological Conferences (CPCs). Although one might assume that residents could feel pressured to participate due to the PI\u0026rsquo;s authoritative position, even senior consultants readily agreed to participate. Anonymity and the lack of personal questions likely encouraged the participants to express their views freely.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere were 339 patients who participated in the study, with 215 (63.4%) visiting the medicine and allied outpatient departments (Medicine and Dermatology) and 124 (36.6%) attending the surgery and allied departments (Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and Gynecology). 41.9% of them were under 40 years of age, 31.6% were between 40 and 59 years, and the remaining were 60 years or older. The majority of the patients (64.3%) were male, and 54% had 12 or fewer years of formal education, while 46% had pursued higher education. The demographic data of the patients is presented in\u0026nbsp;Table 1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1: Patients\u0026rsquo; Demographic Data\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency (n=339)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnder 40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e142\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40-59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60+\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e218\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 yrs. or less\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBachelors\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e156\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDepartment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e158\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.6\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDermatology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eENT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGynecology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOphthalmology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSurgery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 131px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 70 doctors participated in the study, comprising 28 consultants and 42 residents. All the residents were under the age of 40, while the majority of the consultants (20 out of 28) were between 40 and 59 years old. In terms of gender distribution, 71% of the residents were female and 29% were male, whereas the gender ratio among the consultants was 50:50, with 14 males and 14 females. The demographic data of the doctors (residents and consultants) is presented in\u0026nbsp;Table 2.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2: Demographic Data of Doctors (Residents and Consultants)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\" width=\"604\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidents (n=42)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsultants (n=28)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en (%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAge (years)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnder 40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40-59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20 (71.43)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (3.57)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12 (28.57)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (50)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30 (71.43)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14 (50)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYears of Service\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1 (3.57)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11-20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17 (60.71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21-30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31 and above\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (10.71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDepartment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine and allied\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19 (45.24)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10 (35.71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDermatology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (7.14)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSurgery and allied\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGeneral Surgery\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8 (19.05)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7 (25)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGynecology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11 (26.19)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (14.28)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOphthalmology\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4 (9.52)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2 (7.14)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eENT\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3 (10.71)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 150px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 152px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 149px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 154px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe various attributes of a good doctor, as selected by the patients and the doctors from the given questionnaire, are given in Table 3.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3: Comparison of Patients\u0026rsquo; and Doctors\u0026rsquo; Selection of Attributes of a Good Doctor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDomain\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatients\u0026rsquo; Responses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoctors\u0026rsquo; Responses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en=339\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en=70\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of professional expertise\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs foreign-trained\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHas extensive experience of many years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs current with new developments in medicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExplains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs proficient in medical research and has many publications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of humanism\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs not arrogant but treats you with respect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e159\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs friendly, informal and jokes with you\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGuards the patient\u0026apos;s secrets\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGives encouragement and hope to the patient\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e138\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDoes not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 170px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eListens to the patient attentively and patiently\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 46px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e51.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe comparison between patients\u0026rsquo; and doctors\u0026rsquo; selections of attributes of a good doctor revealed that the most frequently chosen attribute by both groups was \u0026quot;listens to the patient attentively and patiently.\u0026quot; For patients, the next most preferred attributes were \u0026quot;treats the patient with respect and is not arrogant,\u0026quot; followed by \u0026quot;gives encouragement and hope.\u0026quot; This indicated that, from the patients\u0026rsquo; perspective, the top three attributes of a good doctor were within the domain of humanism.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast, from the doctors\u0026apos; perspective, after listening to the patient, the next most valued attributes were from the domain of professional expertise: \u0026quot;explains the disease, treatment, and side effects clearly\u0026quot; and \u0026quot;\u0026nbsp;Is current with new developments in medicine.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patients\u0026rsquo; education level had a significant association, wherein the patients having 12 or fewer years of formal education demonstrating preference for the domain of humanism for a good doctor (p=0.00). They chose \u0026ldquo;Is friendly, informal and jokes with you\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Guards the patient\u0026apos;s secrets\u0026rdquo; significantly more than the patients with higher formal education did. Concurrently, a significantly higher number of patients with higher education (bachelors and above) preferred the professional attributes \u0026ldquo;Is current with new developments in medicine\u0026rdquo; (p=.00) and \u0026ldquo;Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly\u0026rdquo; (p=.00). The results are tabulated in Table 4.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4: Comparison of Preference of Attributes of a Good Doctor According to Different Levels of Patients\u0026rsquo; Education\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDomain\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatients with 12 years or lesser education (n=183)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatients with Bachelors or higher education\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(n=156)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of Professional expertise\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs foreign-trained\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHas extensive experience of many years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs current with new developments in medicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExplains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs proficient in medical research and has many publications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of humanism\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs not arrogant but treats you with respect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs friendly, informal and jokes with you\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGuards the patient\u0026apos;s secrets\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGives encouragement and hope to the patient\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDoes not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 178px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eListens to the patient attentively and patiently\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe attributes of a good doctor, as chosen by the residents and consultants, are compared in Table 5.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5: Comparison of Residents\u0026rsquo; and Consultants\u0026rsquo; Selection of Attributes of a Good Doctor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDomain\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidents\u0026rsquo; Responses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsultants\u0026rsquo; Responses\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ep value\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en=42\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003en=28\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"7\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of professional expertise\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs foreign-trained\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHas extensive experience of many years\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs a good teacher for medical students and junior doctors\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs current with new developments in medicine\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eExplains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs proficient in medical research and has many publications\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDomain of humanism\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs not arrogant but treats you with respect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIs friendly, informal and jokes with you\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGuards the patient\u0026apos;s secrets\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGives encouragement and hope to the patient\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDoes not discriminate between patients on the basis of financial and social status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 172px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eListens to the patient attentively and patiently\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 102px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 65px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the residents and consultants chose listening to the patient attentively the highest number of times as the preferred attribute of a good doctor. The consultants considered familiarity with advancements in medicine to be a significantly more important attribute (p=0.03). The residents preferred the attribute of confidentiality significantly more than the consultants did (p=0.03). The consultants considered familiarity with advancements in medicine to be a significantly more important attribute (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference of opinion noted in any of the other attributes of a good doctor in the perspectives of the residents and the consultants.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was no statistically significant difference in the perceptions of doctors who worked in medicine and allied or surgery and allied departments.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eA review of literature reveals that different studies from different parts of the world show that doctors and patients have varied preferences regarding the traits of a good doctor. The results of my study have also shown that there are differences of opinions between doctors and patients on this subject, and that there are many nuances.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ea. The Patients\u0026rsquo; and the Doctors\u0026rsquo; Perspectives:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst, I will discuss the top three attributes of a good doctor in the opinion of patients and doctors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Patients\u0026rsquo; Perspective:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(1) Listening to the patient attentively and patiently:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most frequently chosen attribute of a good doctor by patients in this study was attentive and patient listening. This aligns with multiple studies emphasizing listening as a core trait of an effective physician. For example, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati et al. conducted a qualitative study in Shiraz, Iran, where participants described a good doctor as kind, empathetic, and a good listener.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] Similarly, a survey of 580 people by Christoph Schnelle et al. concluded that \u0026ldquo;listening to patients willingly to the end\u0026rdquo; is a highly valued characteristic.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis reflects a shift from \u0026ldquo;listen to the doctor\u0026rdquo; model to \u0026ldquo;listen to the patient\u0026rdquo; paradigm in contemporary healthcare.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] Listening involves more than just hearing words\u0026mdash;it requires attention to unspoken cues, non-verbal communication, and mutual engagement. Ronald M. Epstein et al. emphasize that \u0026ldquo;patients highly value being listened to, taken seriously, heard, and understood,\u0026rdquo; which is essential to alleviate suffering.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Pakistan, healthcare faces challenges like overcrowding and limited resources, often resulting in brief doctor-patient interactions.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] For instance, Aisha Jalil et al. reported that doctors typically spend less than two minutes per patient in outpatient clinics. This may explain why attentive listening stands out as a key quality patients seek in a good doctor.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] Furthermore, given Pakistan\u0026rsquo;s diverse literacy levels and healthcare access, patients may struggle to express their concerns clearly. When doctors listen patiently, patients feel respected and valued\u0026mdash;a principle deeply rooted in Pakistani culture.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(2) Treating the patient with respect:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespect for patients was the second most frequently chosen trait of a good doctor by participants in this study. Respect and attentive listening are closely linked\u0026mdash;one often reinforces the other. In fact, the most frequently chosen trait in this study was attentive listening, which patients commonly associate with being treated respectfully.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] However, the perception of respect can differ between doctors and patients. Hiroyasu Goami\u0026rsquo;s questionnaire-based study in Japan found that while many doctors believed they demonstrated respect, patients often felt otherwise\u0026mdash;largely due to ineffective communication.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe preference of this trait by the patients becomes all the more important in Pakistani context, as Aisha Jalil et al. reported that some doctors in Pakistan displayed attitudes of superiority and false pride.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] Patients are generally highly perceptive to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and they can easily sense whether they are being respected or dismissed during interactions with their physicians. Respect is a fundamental element of medical professionalism and ethics.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] It reflects recognition of the patient\u0026rsquo;s inherent dignity and must be shown unconditionally to all individuals.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(3) Gives encouragement and hope to the patient:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this study, 41% of patients selected \u0026ldquo;giving hope and encouragement\u0026rdquo; as a key trait of a good doctor, compared to only 17% of doctors. This disparity highlights how patients strongly associate communication, empathy, and emotional support with quality healthcare. As Muhammad Atif Waqar, a palliative care physician in Pakistan, observes, \u0026ldquo;We, as a society, tend to value hope\u0026rdquo;\u0026mdash;a sentiment reflected in patients\u0026rsquo; preference for doctors who offer reassurance during consultations.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHope plays a vital role in a patient\u0026rsquo;s quality of life and overall well-being. Studies show that patients actively seek physicians who validate and nurture their sense of hope.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] James Tulsky emphasizes the delicate balance patients desire: \u0026ldquo;Patients want physicians to achieve a balance between being honest and straightforward and not discouraging hope.\u0026rdquo;[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] These findings underline the need to sensitize doctors to the emotional dimensions of care, particularly the value patients place on receiving hope and encouragement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, this study reveals that patients overwhelmingly prioritize humanistic qualities\u0026mdash;such as respect, attentive listening, and compassion\u0026mdash;as defining traits of a good doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHumanism: The preferred Domain of the Patients for a Good Doctor:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study revealed that patients tend to value humanistic traits in doctors\u0026mdash;such as attentive listening, respectful behavior, and emotional connection\u0026mdash;over purely technical skills. Similar findings have been reported in other settings. For example, Tahir et al. conducted a study in Lahore, Pakistan, involving 600 patient interviews about their expectations and satisfaction with tertiary healthcare. Patients emphasized the importance of time, access, and the provider\u0026rsquo;s behavior\u0026mdash;all of which reflect humanistic dimensions of care.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] Likewise, Ahmady et al., in a qualitative study from Iran, noted that patients and their families identified the humanistic traits of kindness, a good temper, and warmth as central characteristics of a good doctor.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the context of this study, patients may have preferred humanistic qualities for several reasons. First, when doctors demonstrate compassion and empathy, patients feel genuinely cared for and respected\u0026mdash;leading to increased trust and satisfaction.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e] Second, a humanistic approach fosters holistic care by addressing not only physical symptoms but also the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of illness.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] Lastly, humaneness in clinical interactions can empower patients, encouraging them to participate more actively in their health decisions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile this study provides meaningful insights into the perspectives of patients and doctors within a Pakistani tertiary care setting, drawing direct comparisons with studies from other cultural contexts is challenging. Existing literature shows considerable variability in findings, even among studies conducted within similar sociocultural settings. This inconsistency reflects the complex and context-dependent nature of patient and doctor expectations. Moreover, broad-based, nationally representative studies that can reliably claim to reflect cultural norms are lacking in many regions, including Pakistan. Therefore, while some trends\u0026mdash;such as the preference for humanistic traits\u0026mdash;appear recurrent, they should be interpreted with caution. The current study thus contributes as an exploratory, context-specific investigation and underscores the need for larger, multi-center, and cross-cultural studies to develop a deeper and more generalizable understanding of the desirable attributes of a good doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Doctors\u0026rsquo; Perspective:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(1) Listening to the patient:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListening attentively and patiently was the most frequently chosen trait of a good doctor by both doctors and patients in this study. This alignment reflects a shared recognition of its central role in clinical practice. Doctors may have prioritized listening not only because it facilitates accurate diagnosis, but also because it embodies the humanistic side of medicine. As Carolyn E. Reed noted, \u0026ldquo;We can preserve our humanism by cultivating in ourselves and our residents the art of listening and touching\u0026rdquo;.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumerous studies have emphasized the importance of listening for effective medical care.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] In the Pakistani context, Rahman et al. (2019) conducted interviews with patients and healthcare providers in Karachi and found that both groups regarded active communication as essential to patient-centered care. However, many studies tend to differ in their findings. A systematic review by Verena Steiner-Hofbauer et al., involving 20 studies, found that doctors more often emphasized medical competence, while patients prioritized communication and autonomy.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e] The doctors in this study cohort appeared more attuned to the value of attentive listening, likely reflecting growing awareness of its role in humanistic care. Moreover, in Pakistan\u0026rsquo;s overburdened public healthcare system,[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] many patients feel rushed through consultations\u0026mdash;71% believe doctors do not spend enough time with them.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] Doctors may be aware of these systemic limitations and, by emphasizing listening, express their own recognition of what is lacking in current clinical practice and what ideally should be upheld.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(2) Explains the disease, treatment and its side effects clearly\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this study, 46% of the doctors identified the ability to explain the disease, treatment options, and potential side effects clearly as a key trait of a good doctor. This aligns with findings from previous studies that emphasize effective communication as a fundamental quality in medical professionalism.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoctors may value this trait because it helps foster trust in the doctor\u0026ndash;patient relationship. Patients often interpret being well-informed as a sign of respect and involvement in their care.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] Thom narrated that behaviors such as answering questions and providing clear explanations were positively correlated with patients\u0026rsquo; trust in their physicians.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] Higher levels of trust, in turn, are associated with greater treatment adherence and satisfaction.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e] These findings suggest that for doctors, effective explanation is not just a technical skill but also a humanistic one, directly linked to better patient outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e(3) Is current with new developments in medicine\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother trait valued by the doctors in this study was staying updated with medical advancements. This emphasis reflects the dynamic nature of medical knowledge and the growing expectations for physicians to incorporate emerging evidence into clinical practice.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e] Yamaguchi et al. also noted that patients often consult online resources and look to doctors for validation.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e] Thus, clinicians in this study likely prioritize staying updated to ensure safe, evidence-based care, adapt to rapidly evolving medical advances, and meet the expectations of increasingly informed patients. These reasons reflect both professional responsibility and practical necessity and may be explored further in future studies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eb. Role of formal education among patients:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile both patient groups\u0026mdash;those with lower and higher formal education\u0026mdash;favored humanistic attributes in a good doctor, such as attentive listening and respectful behavior, there were noteworthy differences in specific preferences based on educational attainment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePatients with less formal education placed greater value on humanistic traits such as a doctor maintaining an informal atmosphere and ensuring confidentiality. In contrast, patients with higher levels of education emphasized professional attributes like explaining the disease and its management clearly, and staying up-to-date with medical advancements.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis trend is supported by international findings. For example, a study by Karen Dopelt et al. conducted in Israel found that individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to value friendliness and warmth in physicians.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e] This may reflect a desire for relational comfort and emotional safety in the face of perceived power imbalances. In Pakistan, such a preference may be amplified by sociocultural hierarchies and the significant doctor\u0026ndash;patient power differential. As Blanquicett et al. note, patients with lower education levels may feel intimidated by physicians, due to a perceived disparity in knowledge and status.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e] An informal tone or light humor by the doctor may help alleviate this discomfort, reduce relational barriers, and encourage more communication that is open.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother significant preference among less formally educated patients was confidentiality. Rothenfluh et al., who observed similar attitudes among socially vulnerable populations in Italy, echo this finding.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e] Lower educational attainment often correlates with increased social vulnerability.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e] Patients from such groups may fear loss of dignity or exposure to stigma if sensitive health information is disclosed. In particular, conditions with strong societal stigma\u0026mdash;such as mental illness or sexually transmitted infections\u0026mdash;may be perceived as threats to social standing, resulting in heightened concern over confidentiality.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConversely, patients with higher formal education placed greater emphasis on professional traits like explaining medical conditions and treatment plans clearly and remaining current with advances in medicine. This can be attributed to better health literacy among educated individuals, which leads to a stronger desire for shared decision-making and comprehensive medical information.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e] Furthermore, as Lleras-Muney has shown, highly educated individuals are more likely to adopt new medical technologies and treatments. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings highlight the nuanced role that education plays in shaping patient expectations. They also point toward the need for context-sensitive communication strategies: doctors may need to tailor their approach according to the patient\u0026rsquo;s level of health literacy and preferred interaction style. Understanding and adapting to these preferences may improve satisfaction and trust across diverse patient populations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ec. Differences between residents\u0026rsquo; and consultants\u0026rsquo; responses:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother significant aspect of the results was the divergence in perceptions between residents and consultants regarding the attributes of a good doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth groups predominantly endorsed \u0026ldquo;listening to the patient\u0026rdquo; as an essential trait. However, beyond that, consultants leaned more towards professional attributes such as explaining the disease and its management, and being current with medical advancements. This emphasis on professionalism among senior physicians is consistent with findings from other international studies. For instance, Setlhare et al. also reported that experienced doctors placed a higher value on professional competencies.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] In contrast, the responses from residents reflected a more balanced combination of humanistic and professional values. Their top choices included maintaining patient confidentiality, being a good teacher, explaining disease management, and treating patients with respect. This inclination toward a more holistic view of medical practice may reflect the influence of contemporary medical education and recent bioethics training, which emphasize both professionalism and patient-centered care.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne notable finding is the higher prioritization of confidentiality by residents compared to consultants. Previous research in Pakistan has shown that confidentiality is often not maintained to Western standards, potentially due to systemic constraints such as overcrowding, lack of time, or insufficient training.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e] However, the increased awareness among younger doctors is encouraging. A study by Imran et al. reported that 90% of residents in two public sector hospitals considered patient confidentiality important, a finding that aligns with the responses of residents in the current study.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e] This shift in awareness may signal generational progress in ethical practice and should be explored further through longitudinal or interventional research.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn intriguing dimension in the resident-consultant comparison is the gender distribution. In my cohort, 71% of residents were female, compared to 29% male, whereas the number of male and female consultants was equal. This suggests that although more women are now pursuing postgraduate medical education, fewer currently occupy senior or leadership roles. This phenomenon is not unique to Pakistan. McKinstry noted a global trend of increasing female enrollment in medical schools but relatively fewer women progressing to senior roles in medicine.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Pakistan, sociocultural constraints and traditional gender roles often hinder women from sustaining long-term careers in medicine. A qualitative study by Moazam et al. explored this issue and found that many women, despite being qualified doctors, do not practice due to entrenched societal expectations and family pressures.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e] The current study\u0026rsquo;s finding that a majority of residents are female, however, signals a potential change in future demographics. If more women complete postgraduate training and enter specialist roles, the gender imbalance in senior medical positions may gradually diminish.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale doctors have been found to exhibit greater empathy and communication skills in patient care.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e] Therefore, a future increase in the number of female specialists could influence the prevailing values in the medical profession, potentially shifting the collective perception of a \"good doctor\" towards more humanistic attributes. This evolution in the professional landscape may have positive implications for patient satisfaction, trust, and outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ed. Traits least chosen:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly 1.4% of doctors considered proficiency in research as a defining characteristic of a good doctor. This reflects the historically low prioritization of research within Pakistan\u0026rsquo;s medical infrastructure, where clinical practice tends to overshadow academic inquiry.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother underrepresented trait was extensive experience, chosen by only 15.6% of patients and 5.7% of doctors. This finding is particularly intriguing given that in South Asian societies, including Pakistan, older and more experienced individuals\u0026mdash; especially those with higher educational backgrounds\u0026mdash;are culturally associated with wisdom and competence.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e] Thus, the low selection of experience as an important trait contradicts cultural expectations and raises questions about shifting societal norms or specific sample-related dynamics. While the result could be due to the small sample size in this study, similar trends have been noted elsewhere.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e] This suggests a potential change in public perception, possibly favoring communication skills, up-to-date knowledge, and patient-centered care over traditional markers of seniority. Nonetheless, this phenomenon warrants further exploration through larger, more diverse studies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother trait that was surprisingly low on the preference list was training abroad. Despite the common belief within Pakistani society and even among healthcare professionals that Western medical education is superior (Hossain et al., 2016), very few participants considered foreign training to be a hallmark of a good doctor.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e] In my study, only 5% of patients expressed a preference for foreign-trained doctors. One possible explanation is that patients generally hold a high degree of trust and expectation from their local physicians, regardless of where they trained.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e] Additionally, the consultants in the study may take professional pride in their affiliation with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), an institution internationally recognized for postgraduate medical education.[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e63\u003c/span\u003e] Furthermore, for residents, the lack of preference for foreign training might reflect the influence of local role models\u0026mdash;most of whom themselves trained within Pakistan.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings challenge several prevalent assumptions and indicate evolving expectations within the healthcare system.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ee. Implications\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study offers preliminary insights into the differing perspectives of patients and doctors on the desirable attributes of a good doctor within a tertiary care setting in Pakistan. As a pilot study, its findings suggest the importance of both professional competence and humanistic qualities in medical practice, with patients placing greater emphasis on empathy, respectful communication, and emotional support. While these results highlight areas worth exploring further, larger and more diverse studies are needed to establish generalizable patterns across different healthcare settings and populations. Such research could inform contextually relevant revisions in medical curricula, communication skills training, and professional development programs. Over time, a clearer understanding of shared expectations between patients and doctors may help shape more patient-centered clinical practices and contribute to policies that better align medical education with societal values and healthcare needs in Pakistan.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003ef. Suggestions for future research\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFuture research should aim to include larger and more diverse samples from multiple healthcare institutions, including both public and private sectors, to enhance the generalizability of findings. Comparative studies across different regions, socio-economic groups, and healthcare settings in Pakistan could provide deeper insights into how cultural, educational, and institutional factors influence perceptions of a good doctor. Qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews or focus group discussions may also be employed to explore the nuances behind patients\u0026rsquo; and doctors\u0026rsquo; preferences. Additionally, longitudinal studies could examine how these perceptions evolve over time or in response to changes in medical training and healthcare delivery.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec32\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStrengths of the Study\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study explores the perspectives of both patients and doctors within the same clinical setting, offering a balanced and comparative view of what constitutes a \"good doctor\" from both ends of the healthcare relationship. Second, the study instrument was adapted from a previously validated questionnaire and further refined through a two-step piloting process, ensuring contextual relevance and clarity for the local population. Third, the inclusion of both consultants and residents among doctors, and patients from a variety of educational backgrounds, adds depth to the findings by capturing a range of experiences and expectations. Finally, conducting the study in a busy tertiary care hospital under real-world conditions enhances the practical relevance of the results and reflects the complex dynamics of clinical practice in Pakistan.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec33\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLimitations of the Study\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst, it was conducted at a single tertiary care center, which limits the generalizability of the findings to the broader Pakistani population. Second, the sample size\u0026mdash;particularly for the doctor group\u0026mdash;was relatively small. The patient sampling method was non-random, based on convenience, which, while practical given the clinical workload and setting, introduces the possibility of selection bias, especially among patient participants. Second, as the principal investigator was a consultant physician and a military officer within the same hospital, there is a potential risk that some participants may have perceived implicit pressure to participate or may have been reluctant to express their views candidly. Third, although the questionnaire was administered in Urdu\u0026mdash;the primary language understood by all respondents\u0026mdash;some linguistic nuances may have been altered or lost during translation into English for the purpose of analysis and publication.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese limitations were taken into consideration when interpreting the results, and caution is advised in extending the findings to other clinical or cultural contexts across Pakistan.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study reveals a nuanced understanding of what patients and doctors in a Pakistani tertiary care hospital perceive as the preferred traits of a good doctor. Both groups ranked attentive listening as the most valued trait, highlighting its universal significance in patient care. However, perspectives diverged in other areas. The patients prioritized humanistic qualities, such as respect and hope, particularly those with less formal education, who valued confidentiality and an informal approach. In contrast, more formally educated patients preferred professional traits, such as staying up-to-date on medical advancements and disease explanation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDifferences also emerged between doctors, with consultants favoring professional attributes like knowledge of new medical developments and explaining about disease management, while residents emphasized a blend of humanistic and professional traits, including confidentiality, respect, and teaching ability. These insights reflect the diverse expectations associated with the role of a good doctor, who is seen as both a skilled professional and a compassionate caregiver capable of catering to the varied needs of their patients. This balance of professional expertise and empathetic care is essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and the quality of healthcare delivery in Pakistan.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Approval and Consent to Participate:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Approved by ERCs of PNS HAFEEZ Hospital (492/06 dated 24 Oct 2023) and SIUT (SIUT-ERC-2023/A-459 dated 4 Nov 2023). Verbal informed consent obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompeting Interests:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; The author declares no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSelf-funded.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eJAK conceptualized, designed, collected and analyzed data, and drafted the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author thanks Amna Mahmood for her valuable guidance in the statistical analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHurwitz B, Vass A. What's a good doctor, and how can you make one? 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Establishing a system of postgraduate medical education in Pakistan. J Med Regul. 2015;101(3):37\u0026ndash;40. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.30770/2572-1852-101.3.37\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.30770/2572-1852-101.3.37\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-health-services-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bhsr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Health Services Research](http://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/BHSR/default.aspx","title":"BMC Health Services Research","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Doctor-patient relation, ethics, humanism, Pakistan, patient-centered care, professionalism","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7321297/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7321297/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the context of growing emphasis on patient-centered care and professionalism, identifying what traits are considered important in a 'good doctor' is a bioethical imperative. This study explores how patients and physicians perceive these traits and the extent of their alignment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study involving 339 patients and 70 physicians (28 consultants and 42 residents) was conducted using structured questionnaires at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Participants selected the top three traits they believed defined a good doctor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResults revealed that both patients and doctors ranked \"listening to the patient attentively and patiently\" as the most important trait. However, patients prioritized humanistic qualities such as respect, encouragement, and hope, particularly those with lower formal education, who also valued confidentiality and an informal approach. In contrast, more patients that were educated emphasized professional traits like staying updated with medical advancements and clear explanations of diseases and treatments. Doctors, especially consultants, valued professional expertise, including explaining medical conditions and staying current with new developments, while residents emphasized a mix of humanistic and professional traits, including confidentiality and teaching ability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePatients and doctors share some expectations but differ significantly in prioritizing humanistic versus professional traits. Recognizing and addressing these gaps is crucial for culturally competent and ethically sound care.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Parallel Perspectives of Patients and Doctors on Traits of a Good Doctor: A Cross-Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-23 12:24:36","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7321297/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-05-16T12:59:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-20T06:53:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-08T15:25:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"90397279875588701069847773987594511943","date":"2025-09-30T06:34:14+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"49046329323069810602928958454835698544","date":"2025-09-27T07:20:25+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"284392820807896915140011627983305166708","date":"2025-09-26T08:07:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-25T20:50:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-24T11:08:08+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"120622813855700959622646377464437427754","date":"2025-09-24T06:09:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"87888822689210080915302292624661373928","date":"2025-09-21T07:08:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"65443386899388017829677441989319084339","date":"2025-09-20T17:58:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"204333885598261596109441403495581660299","date":"2025-09-18T08:50:04+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"144643414486904928451890226069129585973","date":"2025-09-16T14:37:35+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-15T17:51:33+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-09-10T05:11:43+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-18T17:42:48+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-08-14T09:41:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Health Services Research","date":"2025-08-14T09:37:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-health-services-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"bhsr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Health Services Research](http://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/BHSR/default.aspx","title":"BMC Health Services Research","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a5a4ebb3-be84-4cb4-b577-07a9e5063d96","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 23rd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-05-16T12:59:51+00:00","index":85,"fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-23T12:24:36+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-23 12:24:36","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7321297","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7321297","identity":"rs-7321297","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}