270 likes | 374 Views
This material is presented to first year medical students prior to small group sessions in which they develop their own version of the Hippocratic Oaths. For further information contact lnixon@hsc.usf.edu. Oaths:The Hippocratic Tradition. Lois LaCivita Nixon, PhD, MLitt, MPH
E N D
This material is presented to first year medical students prior to small group sessions in which they develop their own version of the Hippocratic Oaths. For further information contact lnixon@hsc.usf.edu.
Oaths:The Hippocratic Tradition Lois LaCivita Nixon, PhD, MLitt, MPH College of Medicine University of South Florida
Purpose of Class • To review characteristics associated with the medical profession. (theology, medicine, and law: the “learned” professions) • To consider the symbolic nature of an oath, specifically the Hippocratic Oath, USF’s revised version, and excerpts from various other oaths. • To meet in small groups to draft a “working declaration, affirmation, or oath” for presentation at the White Coat Ceremony.
Seven characteristics described by Abraham Flexner in 1910. Professionalism His report (Flexner Report) led to the standardization of medical education. Considered to be the most important change event in modern medicine.
Characteristics -Flexner- • Essentially intellectual—or “learned” • Special body of knowledge continuously expanded by research • Practical end (service) • Specialized training of techniques
Characteristics-Flexner- • Moral commitment, a brotherhood (sic) • Self-organization and self-regulation • Altruistic motivations (unselfish regard for welfare of others)
ALTRUISM DUTY EXCELLENCE HONOR INTEGRITY ACCOUNTABILITY RESPECT FOR OTHERS Project Professionalism: ABIM John Stone, MD, cardiologist, poet For the heart will lead For the head will explain but the final common pathway is the heart whatever kingdom may come For what matters finally is how the human spirit is spent.
In recent years additional attention has been given to the following concerns: • Just distribution of finite resources • Maintenance of trust by managing • conflict of interest • Improved access These suggest a shift from physician-to-patient and patient-to-physician concerns to a broader physician-to-society focus.
Class of 2006 committed to learning humility integrity open/honest communicator generosity of spirit respect/courtesy accountability competent listener empathy confidentiality considerate non-condescending maturity tolerance for difference teaching skills culturally sensitive current knowledge humor
Bonding Declarations/ Commitments • Promises • Codes • Oaths
Performative utterance (before others) Solemn declaration Validated by transcendent appeal, something sacred Moral weight, never trivial Extended timeframe (or lifetime) Involves relationships with other Oaths and………..
Cross my heart and hope to die…….. Oath breaker?! Curtains!!
Examples or illustrations of the range of sworn oaths: I swear… I solemnly declare… I hold these truths…
Maimonides, Rabbi, Physician, Philosopher RaMBaM, 1135-1204
Film excerpt Extreme Measures Two physicians *Hugh Grant…good *Gene Hackman…bad
An oath is not universal, it is not a legal obligation, and it does not guarantee morality. • Affirmations work to strengthen resolve to behave with integrity in extreme circumstances. • An oath encourages examination of core values. • An oath is a declaration of commitment and intention.
Film clip: Extreme Measures (Gene Hackman as arrogant physician who uses homeless and others to harvest organs for more “worthwhile” members of society. Hugh Grant provides the challenge) http://hscvideo2.hsc.usf.edu/asxroot/hsc/jkeats/xmeasure.asx Life is short, the art of medicine is long, experience difficult.
NEXT Apollo, Dionysus, Proteus The Staff of Aesculapius Slides Film Excerpt Small Group Discussion