MEDEV

School of Medical Sciences Education Development

Charlotte and Lynn's presentation this morning was wonderfully reflective, challenging how we might think about the minute detail of professional concerns; for example, the tension between a student's concern to ensure their learning (what they are there for), vs the best interests of their patient (the patient priorities). 

They raised the issue that students use laughter to diffuse complex or confusing situations, not because they are funny but in order to cope with uncertainty or indecision. An example dilemma / discourse was offered for consideration and discussion at tables. 

Helen gave an overview of the UK context; including changes in the financial services where public demand for heightened professional behaviour among managers and leaders has resulted in suggestions for a 'hippocratic oath' for top managers. 

Maxine is speaking and presenting some of the data that they collected showing that professionalism 'concerns' in practice were able to be predicted (with a higher predictive risk) by concerns raised about that individual as an undergraduate. There are issues about professionalism as exemplified in an individual behaviour, vs in a profession or a group. 

She has said that we need to use assessment to improve our understanding of remediation - if we know that there is an issue then we need to know what to do about it.