AnalysisIt is important that you make a distinction between healthcare professionals and the role and qualities of a doctor. Try not to say anything too negative about other healthcare professionals but be sure to draw a wide distinction between their roles and the roles of a doctor. The qualities of a doctor can be found
here.ApproachA good way to answer this question is to begin by outlining the key differences and then use a specific example from your work experience such as a nurse or physio asking a doctor for advice on further management of a patient. Below are a few key differences:
- Ultimate responsibility lies with the doctor
- Doctors train to use knowledge to make clinical decisions, which change patients’ lives
- Consultants are seen as team leaders
- Postgraduate training for doctors allows wide areas of specialization and acquisition of knowledge
- Can become a surgeon, anaesthetist, GP etc and use acquired skills to greatly impact patient care
- Doctors can affect teaching and research on a much larger scale
Example AnswerNurses and Physios often specialize in certain areas, run clinics and can prescribe or assess patients with extra training. The ultimate differences are leadership, responsibility, knowledge and practical skills. While specialist nurses can have similar roles to F1 doctors they cannot progress beyond this level and they have a limited role in decision-making regarding patient care.