There was general agreement that it is very important for a
medical secretary to have a high degree of skill for performing
business activities but that a deficiency in personal qualities is
more detrimental than a deficiency in business skills. The following
are the comments of three physicians in regard to the relative importance
of personal qualities and skills:
Personal qualities are the number one item in impor--
tance.
Personal qualities are so important that a doctor
should consider them first when hiring a new girl.
Skill is important, but no amount of skill will suffice
for a lack of the necessary personal qualities.
Three physicians’ employees who completed questionnaires made
the following unsolicited comments in regard to the importance of
unusually high-level personal qualities and to express their opinions
in regard to the relative importance of personal qualities and skills:
There are a few qualifications of a medical secretary
that are more important than being a good mechanical technician
on her job. First of all, of prime importance i3 a
sympathetic nature, a true liking of people and interest in
their problems, and patience when they are difficult, remembering
they are sick.