After medical school, you may have gone into your career as a doctor with enthusiasm and excitement. As time passes, though, you may wonder if you're in a career rut. You might have great skills, but to be a better physician, you'll need to be well-rounded.  

Make the Most of CME Classes

Continuing medical education (CME) classes may be required by your state to keep up your license. Many physicians use them to learn more about the fields in which they practice. However, if you're feeling complacent in your work, you may want to try classes in a completely different discipline. You might realize that you enjoy pediatrics or gerontological classes, even if they didn't strike your interest in medical school. CME classes could inspire a shift in your work or lead you down an entirely new path. Ensure that you're using your CME classes to broaden your perspectives. Use them as a chance to see what is happening in the medical field and what you could be a part of.

Ask Peers and Patients for Constructive Criticism

Sometimes your peers can give you a deeper understanding of how you're doing and how others receive you. As a doctor, your closest professional peers are likely other doctors and nurses. They can present feedback about how it is to work with you or to take doctor's orders for you. This information can be vital—part of your job as a physician is to work well with other health care providers to come up with solutions for patients.

Patients should also be asked for feedback. Your bedside manner might not be what you think it is. You need to know whether patients think you use medical jargon too much or whether they find you to be warm and agreeable. Being able to communicate with those you serve is important for their health and your career. You might want to survey patients to know if there are things you need to work on, and you can have them do this anonymously if you wish.

Do Volunteer Work

If you haven't started volunteering in your community, you might not know how rewarding it can be. Volunteering can provide a chance to interact with people that you might not see in your practice or at the hospital. You can interact with patients in a casual fashion and can build long-lasting relationships with others in your community.

If your goal is to be a better doctor, try these suggestions. You can be happier in your career when you make the most of your physician CME classes.