The Developing Physician — Becoming a Professional

• Published in: The New England journal of medicine Vol. 355; no. 17; pp. 1794 - 1799
• Main Authors: Stern, David T, Papadakis, Maxine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, MA Massachusetts Medical Society 26.10.2006
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Education, Medical; Ethics, Medical; General aspects; Health participants; Humans; Medical sciences; Mentors; Physician's Role; Physicians; Professional Competence - standards; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Medicine; Physician; Health staff
• ISSN: 0028-4793; 1533-4406
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra054783

This article in the Medical Education series describes the problems with and success in trying to teach one of the core values of medicine, professionalism. As we better define professionalism, the authors say, it becomes easier to teach. This article describes the problems with and success in trying to teach one of the core values of medicine, professionalism. As we better define professionalism, the authors say, it becomes easier to teach. We all reflect on our formal training in medicine and know that somehow we made the transition from being a student in a classroom to being a seasoned clinician caring for patients. We spent years acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to function as a physician, and part of that learning was accomplished by following examples and by trial and error. Most of us are still learning how to be better “professionals,” but we are building on a foundation that was developed in medical school and early postgraduate training. These educational and training environments have changed substantially in recent years, . . .