Jeffrey T. Kullgren, MPH and Jerome Lowenstein, MD
A physician argues that the question is not whether we can teach professionalism but rather whether we will teach professionalism, given all of modern medicine's economic and other constraints.
Professional behavior and values are often learned outside the classroom, when physicians act as role models for students in patient-physician relationships.
The use of simulated patients in medical education helps students to develop communication skills needed to interact with patients when difficult circumstances arise.
Teaching physicians cultural competency concepts and skills that will help them overcome the challenge of caring for patients from many cultures and lead to improved patient-physician communication.
False information undermines health and exacerbates disabilities. Constitutional rights to free speech come with responsibilities. Clinicians and citizens have duties to counter false health information.