Emotional Intelligence: A Physician’s Guide

Every physician has experienced the following situation at least once.

Something happens that is beyond our control – a scheduling error, a prior authorization denial, an angry patient at the front desk – and the proposed solution is: “I’ll talk to the doctor.”

Suddenly, it is your job to solve a problem you didn’t create.

I find these scenarios challenging because they occur when I am already multitasking, and solving the issue takes time. When I first started practicing, these situations got the best of me. With experience and coaching, I have learned how to deal with these scenarios more effectively by managing my emotions and responding to the emotions of others more effectively. This skill, emotional intelligence, is vital for physician success.

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions and relationships, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others. For physicians, developing strong emotional intelligence can be crucial for success in both patient care and professional relationships.

The four pillars of emotional intelligence are:

1. Self-awareness: This involves recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and impact on others. For physicians, self-awareness allows them to monitor their emotional reactions during stressful situations and recognize when they need support.
2. Self-regulation: In otherwords, controlling or redirecting disruptive impulses and moods and adapting to changing circumstances. Physicians with strong self-regulation can remain calm under pressure and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively to challenging situations with patients or colleagues.
3. Empathy: The ability to understand the emotions of others and skill in treating people according to their emotional reactions. Empathy allows physicians to connect with patients on an emotional level, leading to better communication and patient outcomes.
4. Social skills: This involves proficiency in managing relationships and building networks. For physicians, strong social skills enable effective collaboration with colleagues and the ability to influence and lead teams.

How does emotional intelligence benefit physicians?

Emotional intelligence helps physicians build community at work, relate to colleagues, and find career satisfaction in the following ways:

• Building community: Emotionally intelligent physicians are better able to create a positive work environment by recognizing and responding to their team members’ emotional needs. They can foster a culture of open communication and mutual support, leading to stronger professional relationships and a more cohesive workplace community. Recognizing your emotions and sharing them with your colleagues and team is a great way to build camaraderie. It also normalizes open communication and makes it easier for others to share with you.
• Relating to colleagues: Physicians with high EI can more effectively navigate complex interprofessional relationships by employing empathy and social skills. They are better equipped to handle conflicts, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate on patient care, ultimately improving team dynamics and patient outcomes.
• Career satisfaction: Emotional intelligence contributes to flourishing by helping physicians manage stress, build resilience, and maintain work-life balance. Self-aware physicians are better able to recognize their own needs and limitations, leading to more effective self-care and reduced burnout.

Moreover, emotionally intelligent physicians are often seen as more effective leaders, which can open up opportunities for career advancement and increased job satisfaction. They are better equipped to handle the emotional demands of patient care, leading to more fulfilling patient interactions and improved overall job satisfaction.

How can physicians improve their EIQ?

Physicians can improve their emotional intelligence through evidence-based steps that can be easily integrated into their daily routines.

1. Meditate: Meditating for just 10-15 minutes has been shown to improve self-awareness and emotional regulation.
2. Keep a Journal: Journaling works.  Writing in a journal to record emotional responses has two key benefits.  First it allows time for reflection and improve self-awareness. Second, it fosters empathy when other’s perspective are considered
3.  Seek feedback: Colleagues and patients notice things you don’t know about yourself. Feedback on communication skills can provide valuable insights, unveiling blind spots and areas for potential growth.
4. Practice: Physicians work on their clinical skills, why not also work on your communication skills? Regular simulation with peers to practice difficult conversations can improve social skills and empathy.
5. Remember “RULER”:  Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotion “RULER” . Incorporating this approach has improved emotional intelligence on healthcare teams. Consistent application of these steps can improve physician’s emotional intelligence and improve patient care and professional satisfaction.

In conclusion, developing emotional intelligence is crucial for physicians to thrive in their careers and build strong professional communities. By focusing on self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, physicians can  find greater satisfaction in their work.