Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Educating Physicians: Are We Doing Enough?

Authors: Antal E. Solyom, MD, PHD, MA

Abstract

The context for the above question is the Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project of this journal, ie, the humanistic aspects of becoming and being a physician. Taking the knowledge and skills aspects of professional competence for granted, I focus in this essay on the person of the physician, ie, professional identity, integrity and responsibility manifested in observable attitudes and values. The Project assumes that religiosity, spirituality and morality are relevant and contributory to the latter. The question is, whether sufficient emphasis has been put on these dimensions of what it is to be a physician, particularly during medical school and residency training. The views expressed are mine, but they incorporate and build on the contributions of many others.

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