QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR A PROFICIENT DOCTOR: A PERSPECTIVE FROM SOWA-RIGPA MEDICINE

Abstract

The practice of medicine within the Sowa-Rigpa (Science of Healing) tradition extends beyond technical competence to encompass ethical, intellectual, and interpersonal qualities. This study examines the essential attributes required of a proficient physician (sMan-pa), focusing on thoughtfulness, compassion, loyalty, patience, diligence, and effective social conduct. Using a qualitative, text-based analytical approach, classical Sowa-Rigpa medical texts—particularly the Gyud Zhi (Four Tantras)—are examined alongside contemporary biomedical ethical frameworks. The findings suggest that these six qualities form an integrated model of holistic medical professionalism that aligns closely with modern principles such as patient-centered care, clinical reasoning, and health equity. The study argues that incorporating Sowa-Rigpa ethical insights into contemporary medical education can enhance both clinical effectiveness and humane healthcare delivery.