A Dangerous Profession

Medicine 90Q -- Fall, 1999

Course Summary

The medical profession is currently confronted with rapid and chaotic changes occuring in the financing and delivery of medical care in the United States.

This seminar will provide an overview of the basic fundamentals of the medical profession as defined by the patient-physician relationship, explore the current changes in the health care system which are challenging the basic tenents of the profession, and promote the acquisition of skills to enhance self-efficacy and adaptability in the pre-professional student. These objectives will be met through focused readings, small group discussion, case-based learning, and shadowing experiences with physicians and patients at the School of Medicine.

Course Topics Last Update 8.30.99

• Week 1: Sept 28, 1999 Radical changes in medicine - economics, ethics, and the physician
• Week 2: Oct 5, 1999 Advancing the art and science of medicine: evidence-based medicine and literature
• Week 3: Oct 12, 1999 Defining the profession of medicine
• Week 4: Oct 19, 1999 The patient experience
• Week 5: Oct 26, 1999 Healing: What is healing? Who is the healer?
• Week 6: Nov 2, 1999 When the physician fails
• Week 7: Nov 9, 1999 Elements of the patient-physician relationship: Compassion
• Evening dinner session: Surviving the Career
• Week 8: Nov 16, 1999 Elements of the patient-physician relationship: The relief of suffering.
• Week 9: Nov 23, 1999 Elements of the patient-physician relatonship: Focusing on the experience of the patient.
• Week 10: Nov 30, 1999 The life experience of the physician
• Final Week: Dec 7, 1998 Course evaluation

Seminar Goals

Prerequisites and GERs/DRs

There are no course prerequesities. This course is an advising seminar directed at sophomore students.

Audit Policy

No audits for this seminar.