Professionalism competence: Its role in bringing about high-value care - a case study

The existing medical education paradigm is not structured in a way that prepares future physicians with knowledge or the skill set to excel in professionalism. The authors provide information in the form of a case study of a professionalism competency development program that was undertaken in the Duke University Medical School Division of Head and Neck Surgery and Communications Sciences, barriers found that impede development, and offer five reforms that are necessary in order to bring about the movement toward high-value care. The authors propose to 1) prioritize professionalism competency training in medical education, 2) make curricular revisions to promote professionalism competency training across the continuum, 3) revise selection criteria for entrance to the profession that deals with basic professionalism skills, 4) institute new prerequisite requirements for entrance to the profession centered on professionalism competency, and 5) require professionalism competency training as part of certification and re-certification processes.

Duke Scholars

Author Walter T Lee Head & Neck Surgical Oncology