In the Literature
Sep 2000
Swick H, Szenas P, Danoff D, Whitcomb M. Teaching professionalism in undergraduate medical education. JAMA. 1999;282(9):830-832.
Questions for Discussion
Although a substantial majority of medical school programs have formal instruction in teaching professionalism, only a slight majority have an "explicit rigorous process to assess the students' professional behaviors." How do you think professionalism can be measured and assessed?
The article mentions that until recently students learned professionalism "through an informal process of socialization that extended from medical school through residency and fellowship training." Do you think that an explicit commitment to professionalism enhances this socialization process? Should faculty members make a more explicit commitment to professionalism in their teaching?
