Top Soft Skills for Medical Scientists

There’s no question that the work of medical scientists is complex and can even be dangerous. These professionals often work in laboratory settings, where they’re sometimes required to don protective gear as they put their medical and scientific knowledge to work, all toward the worthwhile goal of enhancing human health.  

Here we’ll examine what medical scientists do and some requisite soft skills that may surprise you. 

How Medical Scientists Apply Their Skills 

Medical scientists have a variety of responsibilities, including: 

• Planning and carrying out studies of human diseases. 
• Determining uniform drug potency, dosages and administration methods. 
• Collecting and assessing data from medical samples. 
• Developing and testing medical devices. 
• Adhering to laboratory safety protocols. 
• Presenting research findings. 
• Authoring articles for publication. 
• Drafting and submitting research grant proposals to government agencies, private sources and other entities. 

Soft Skills Are Also Essential 

Being a medical scientist involves more than knowing which chemical solutions to mix to safely render the right result. In fact, multiple soft skills aid these hard-working medical scientists in their endeavors, including: 

Analysis 

Medical scientists apply analytical skills by identifying an issue, analyzing it through observation and testing and producing a logical solution or conclusion. 

Research  

Medical scientists conduct research studies to find new treatments for diseases. These studies themselves involve research, as they are often built off the work of others. Further, medical scientists may need to research ways to circumvent a problem they’ve encountered during their work. 

Communication  

Medical scientists must have strong written and verbal communication skills that will enable them to work effectively in teams, present at conferences, author industry articles and write grant proposals for additional funding. 

Critical Thinking  

Once they’ve gathered information about a problem through research and interviews, medical scientists must apply well-developed critical-thinking skills to determine which information is the most important, relevant and credible. 

Decision-Making  

Medical scientists make a lot of decisions while conducting research. Solid decision-making skills give them the ability to weigh all the choices and come to the right decision. 

Observation  

Observation, and a good eye for detail in general, is a key component of research, as medical scientists must notice even minute changes that occur in their lab experiments.  

Augment Your Professional Skills and Credentials 

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program provides a foundation for a career as a medical scientist by teaching a variety of clinical concepts and skills. Further, it empowers you with essential soft skills through courses including: 

• Molecular Structure and Cellular Function  
• Biotechnology Today 
• Genetics, Development and Disease  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for medical scientists is anticipated to grow by 10% — much faster than average — through 2032, translating to considerable employment potential. Additional education and licensure may be necessary for this position.  

Thinking about a different career path? There are many other career options for you if you complete our Program. 

No matter what you plan to do with your Graduate Certificate, you’ll find earning yours a positive experience:  

• Secure Program admission with fewer hurdles due to our inclusive GPA requirements. 
• Receive personalized attention from accomplished professors noted for their research. 
• Complete your Certificate on your own schedule from anywhere worldwide. 
• Enjoy our affordable tuition rates. 
• Strengthen your health-profession school application. 
• Complete the 11 required credits in as little as two semesters. 

Apply now for the opportunity to start classes as soon as our next semester!  

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/soft-skills