What defines a good doctor? On the basis of sources such as the British Medical Council and interviews with patients it is possible to divide the qualities needed to be a good doctor in to two categories. The first of these categories involves qualities associated with creating a good doctor-patient relationship. The attributes required for this include good communication skills as well as a caring and polite manner towards patients. The second category involves the doctor’s clinical competence and includes factors such as knowing the limits of their professional abilities. A good doctor should be able to show a high aptitude in both of these categories. A good doctor is o