Hospitalists

After completing their medical degree, new graduates obtain experience by completing a hospital residency program, which can last from three to eight years.

Doctors must be compassionate, have strong interpersonal skills and a good bedside manner, and have top-notch communications skills in order to explain diagnoses to patients and their families as well as to other medical personnel. Listening skills are equally important. Other key traits include strong analytical and problem-solving ability, a detail-oriented personality, and the ability to mulitask and work under pressure. Since hospitalists work long hours and are often on their feet, physical stamina is also needed.