This blog post aims to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a doctor?” and explore the dimensions of this Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type to help find how INFPs can use their characteristics to become a doctor.
Can an INFP be a doctor?
Yes, INFPs can become a doctor. INFPs should seek out more personal types of doctor jobs, such as that of a General Practitioner or a Specialist who doesn’t perform surgery.
Who is an INFP?
The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.
Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of this personality type.
INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).
Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:
- The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
- The Mediator (16Personalities)
An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.
INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. They see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.
INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path.
They like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.
5 INFP Personality Type Characteristics.
- They are nurturing, kind, and supportive.
- They’re perpetually upbeat and feel that there’s good in everyone.
- They are free-spirited, adaptable, and happy to go with the flow.
- They require a lot of alone time.
- They are idealistic, creative, and driven by high values.
How can an INFP be a doctor?
Medicine appeals to INFPs because it blends their desire to assist others with their inherent curiosity and desire to find greater meaning. This sort of job allows them to use their INFP talents to assist people to heal while also allowing them to employ a range of skills.
An INFP can become a doctor by making use of the following characteristics that they already possess.
The intuition of INFPs.
As an INFP, your intuition can help you flourish in a job that aligns with your desire to serve others. This type of job may be incredibly satisfying, and it’s an excellent choice for INFPs searching for a more meaningful career.
Helpful nature of INFPs.
INFPs will assist people in pursuing jobs that are in keeping with their personal beliefs by working in small groups or individually with individuals who require more aid and support in their studies.
INFPs’ need for meaning and fulfilment.
You want your work to be significant and satisfying as an INFP. INFPs that are thoughtful and creative prefer to pursue occupations that allow them to express their unique personalities and ideals. Many INFP jobs are developed as assisting professions.
Although they are not as ambitious as the ruthless ENTJ or other personality types, most INFPs are inspired by vision and encouragement, and may secretly try to do their best because they still want to take part in projects and matters that they believe are significant to them.
They also like to seek occupations that allow them to match their employment with their own ideals while also assisting others in achieving their goals. They may, for example, require work in which they can directly assist others (Fi) or in which they have more creative flexibility (Fi-Ne).
INFPs excel in careers that are both creative and personable, according to research. However, whereas the INFP-A personality does not appear to be worried by external objectives, INFP-Ts may feel compelled to overcome and still feel as if they have failed if they do not live up to their own personal standards, and they are continuously concerned about the future.
The compassion of INFPs.
They have the ability to show compassion and empathy to others, yet they frequently opt to work in creative and artistic fields that allow them to think freely and be themselves.
An INFP personality can work in a job that has an impact on other people’s lives, but they may not spend as much time with them as a nurse, which is a more people-oriented field.
INFPs are very aware of their own and others’ emotions. They will go to great lengths to meet others’ emotional needs, and they are qualified for both schooling and some types of health treatment, such as counselling or therapy.
Empathetic nature of INFPs.
INFPs are naturally empathic people. They are attentive, compassionate, and thoughtful, allowing them to perceive the world from a variety of perspectives. They will very certainly utilise their abilities to better the lives of their friends, family, and the wider community as they develop and mature.
INFPs have a great desire to serve others; they have a servant’s mentality and enjoy assisting others in whatever manner they can. Others are likely to trust and rely on them in a variety of ways, whether it’s because of their capacity to listen attentively or because of their actionable assistance.
Extraverted thinking of INFPs.
They are excellent communicators who can come up with innovative ways to promote peace and teamwork. INFPs can be physicians since they have a natural drive to serve others.
However, occupations in education or medicine, such as occupational therapy, can be very integrative, but they might also require too much extraversion or limit the INFP’s creative autonomy. Because of their inferior function, INFPs may be drawn to this thought-oriented profession.
INFPs’ creativity.
After a successful career in architecture, artistic INFPs might react to critics who claim that INFPs are unable to connect the dots and never have a clear solution.
This sort of job necessitates creativity and imagination, and as difficult as it may be, it frequently necessitates an outside-the-box approach, which INFPs excel at. ENFPs and INFPs who are social can work in a variety of humanitarian and non-profit organisations.
While these may all be career-worthy opportunities, some social INFPs may find them too particular or practical (i.e., “realistic”), missing the abstract and creative qualities they want.
Conclusion –
This blog post ventured to answer the question, “Can an INFP be a doctor?” and reviewed the features and functions of the introverted and extremely inventive Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type to help determine the how INFPs can use these to become a doctor. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can a person be both INFJ and INFP?
Which personality type is best for doctors?
The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator test can reveal which personality type is best for which specializations-
- Family doctors: ESTJ personality type.
- Internal medicine: INFJ personality type.
- Emergency medicine: ENTJ and ESTJ personalities predominate.
- Psychiatry: INFP personality type.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: ESTJs predominate.
What type of personalities are doctors?
Doctors are primarily investigative types, which means they are inquisitive and interested individuals who enjoy spending time alone with their ideas. They are also sociable, which means they thrive in circumstances where they can engage with, convince, or assist others.
Which careers should INFPs avoid?
According to research, the following are some jobs to avoid if you are an INFP:
- Law Enforcement.
- Finance and Sales.
- Legal Professions.
- Military Occupations.
What subjects are INFPs good at?
INFPs with Investigative-Social interests frequently pursue studies in the social sciences (history, economics, psychology, sociology, geography, anthropology, archaeology, political science, etc.).
Are most doctors Type A personalities?
Despite the fact that some joke that most doctors have a “type A personality,” physician personality profiles cover all 16 Myers Briggs personality types. This is mostly due to the fact that personality and medical speciality frequently go hand in hand since different medical specialities demand different sorts of people.
References–
PsychReel (2021, June 21). INFP Careers (A list of 11+ Careers). Retrieved from https://psychreel.com/infp-careers/
Owens, M. (n.d.). INFP The Healer. Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFP/careers
Owens, M. (2015, July 20). 5 Careers for INFPs Who Want to Earn a Healthy Salary. Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/blog/top-earning-careers-infp
Hughes, J.F. (2020, September 17). These are the Most Love-Compatible Medical Specialties, Psychology Shows. Retrieved from https://www.mdlinx.com/physiciansense/these-are-the-most-love-compatible-specialties-psychology-shows/
Chang, E. (n.d.). Personality and Medical Specialty – What is the Connection? Retrieved from https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/personality-and-medical-specialty-what-is-the-connection/
Dodge, A. (2015, February 18). Can Infp be a doctor? Retrieved from https://boardgamestips.com/monopoly/can-infp-be-a-doctor/
PersonalityCafe (2011, February 1). Do we make capable doctors?? Terrible profession? Good Profession(s)? Retrieved from https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/do-we-make-capable-doctors-terrible-profession-good-profession-s.44086/
