Becoming a physician requires more than the academic mastery of information and technical skills. As physicians, we have to develop our selves. We need to become the kind of person who is a real doctor and healer, capable of acting compassionately, of placing the welfare of our patients above all other considerations, and of caring for those who are medically and socially vulnerable. We need to be the kind of person who can wrestle honestly with all the psychological, social and financial pressures of medical education and practice and continue to stay close to core values.
This "becoming" is called professional formation, the process of forming as an individual who can serve the calling of medicine. "The processes of formation include experience and reflection, service, growth in knowledge of self and of the field, and constant attention to the inner life as well as the life of action. 'Who am I becoming as I move towards this life of service?' is a critical question in formation, as disciplinary acculturation and expertise increases." (Inui T. A Flag in the Wind: Educating for Professionalism in Medicine. 2003. p27.)
The Professional Values and Personal Awareness course is that part of the DUCoM curriculum that supports professional formation. It is woven throughout the four years. Professional formation learning goals and objectives are incorporated into the preclinical and clinical courses. In addition, there are additional, dedicated sessions and activities that are independent of other courses.
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Contact Information
Steven Rosenzweig, M.D.
Director of Professionalism Curriculum
steven.rosenzweig@drexelmed.edu
215-991-8530