Brian Ho
The Professions and Public Interest in American Life
Professor Willard/ T.A. Schmitt
Tuesday Session
2007 December 5
• Carefully distinguish between the “contract” and “covenant” understanding or model of the professional/client relationship. Which understanding makes a greater demand on the good moral character of the professional? Why? Take a reasoned position on whether or not the “covenant” understanding is more appropriate to the overall nature of that relationship.
Since the beginning of complex societies, the public has always been intrigued by the very broad idea of professionalism. And over the course of American history the age of information and computerization has paved the way for the public to gain a
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In addition the covenant relationship is based upon trust, not self interest because the relationship is expected to last longer and accomplish things of deeper importance. This is once again apparent in the doctor patient relationship. Though the doctor has set shifts for work, he must sometimes sacrifice his personal time to take care of his patients who are in direct need of his skill. So that in spite of his own self interest, he is willing to serve his patient no matter what in a covenant model. In this sense the two participants can build a strong foundation of trust which sometimes disregards the self interests of either group. Arguably where the contract relationship fails, the covenant succeeds. The contract which is invoked by self interest and not by trust, leads to what May calls a kind of minimalism. In the case of the professional, minimalism leads to excessive grudging, calculating, a lack in spontaneity, and leaves the professional caring more about himself than his client. Though this is the general nature of a contract relationship, in the case of the doctor, caring too little for the patient and too much for ones career can cause delayed treatment and cautious techniques that my be life threatening to the patient. Similarly, contracts can invoke maximalism. Once again in the case of the doctor, who is looking after his own interests, may order many scans and test that are unnecessary for the treatment of the patient. These overly
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, professionalism is defined as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. A few pages to the left, efficient is defined as productive of desired effects, especially productive without waste, an efficient worker. A few more pages to the left, cordial is defined as showing or marked by warm and often hearty friendliness, favor, or approval, a cordial welcome.
The thought of professionalism conjures up many ideas, and possibly pre-conceived judgements. These will not always be classed as positive or negative, but will undoubtedly have a profound effect on the way you are perceived in your area of work or chosen profession.
doctor takes an oath that he or she will do everything in their power to keep a patient alive. But
The story of Prometheus is a classic myth that shows the theme of advancement takes suffering. This myth shows a key element of mythology. This is not allusion. Prometheus is a supernatural character. In the Prometheus´ myth it says,¨Prometheus took some clay from the ground at his feet moisturize it with water, and made it into an image,in form like the gods.
Honorable doctors do their best to uphold the Hippocratic oath by being kind to their patients and doing their best to connect. At Harvard, they are now teaching how to connect and bond with patients through Patient-Doctor classes to create a more effective and comforting hospital experience. I know when I go to the hospital, I enjoy when doctors and nurses talk to me about my life and theirs. That bond that is created helps build a trust that this doctor cares and wants what's best for those that they treat; when things go wrong, it also opens up the ability to comfort one another. Building relationships between doctors and patients change the dynamics so that it ends up being doctor
Elite groups and associations have developed creeds or oaths throughout history. Doctors, lawyers, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, and knights all aspire to hold to their directives. These oaths outline a set of values, and a code of conduct by which the group’s initiates are expected to hold. The oaths taken by these warrior classes are important for trust between members that, in grave circumstances, a behavior in accordance with high standards is to be expected. On a different professional level, a lawyer’s or doctor’s oath is to the people they serve. These oaths serve to instill confidence in the professional-to-patient relationship by establishing a standard of professional accountability within their respective fields. The Hippocratic Oath is purported to be a foundation for ethics and the practice of medicine. Though it exists in different versions, depending on the institution, the general themes and function remain the same (Markel). Any oath taken is meant to elevate the level of expectations for services rendered. In practice, however, especially in cases of medical oaths, it appears that the oaths are ceremonial and apparently obsolete. A survey conducted in 2012 noted that very few physicians had better than a rudimentary knowledge of the content of The Hippocratic Oath (Jhala and Jhala 279). If the Hippocratic Oath or any oath is intended to be the moral and ethical compass for physicians, it should be taken with an enforceable level of accountability and
The movie “The Doctor” captures the shortcomings of a mechanized health care industry. Dr. Jack McKee is a gifted, however, arrogant, and self centered surgeon who cares little about the emotional welfare of his patients; treating them with a callous attitude, and examining them as specimen. Out of the four models of physician/patient relationship, Dr. McKee exemplified the Paternalistic model, the least ideal model for physician/patient interactions. He makes decisions for the patient
Without setting a high level of professionalism, students are more likely to stray away from their true academic potential and in doing so distract other students from the same goal. While participating in the program I will be exposed to what true professionalism encompasses as well as how to enforce this level of professionalism in the classroom. Regardless of what profession I may choose a certain level of professionalism is expected from practically all employers. Having this quality will not only help me keep a job but also advance me in the career of my
According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (2017), professionalism is “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected to do a job well.” Medical professionals must possess occupational competence, ethical excellence, and exemplary patient relations. Occupational competence encompasses more than just job knowledge. While being technically competent to perform all necessary job functions is vital, a commitment to continually improve is essential. With the rate of technological advancements in the medical profession, continued education is required to stay abreast of changes. Self-reflection is also important to know when and where personal improvement is needed. High ethical standards, including honesty, integrity, accountability,
A professional is characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace. Being professional should be a subconscious effort in the fact that it should always be applied. When employees are professional it helps the system run more efficiently and safely. A person must me a certain criteria when being evaluated on professionalism, a person is judged based on the clients; Attitude, Values, Communication techniques, and approachability. Clients who display a committed, dependable attitude will benefit more from work exerted, and overall be rewarded with incentives. Although professionalism may be in the eye of the
1 Effectiveness, rather than pure efficiency, is the key to the work of professionals—the sick want a cure, the sinner wants absolution, the accused want exoneration, and the defenseless seek security. Professionals require years of study and practice before they are capable of expert work. Society is utterly dependent on professionals for their health, justice, and security. Thus, a deep moral obligation rests on the profession, and its professionals, to continuously develop expertise and use that expertise only in the best interests of
As a result, a lack of trust between client and nurse could result in the inability to develop a therapeutic relationship, negatively affecting the quality of patient care.
Prostitution has been a social issue in Canada since before Confederation and until present day. The act of exchanging sexual services for money between two consenting adults has never been illegal in Canada, but the activities that surround prostitution, particularly owning or being in a bawdy house, living off the avails of prostitution, and communicating in public places for the purposes of prostitution, have all been made illegal under sections in the Criminal Code (Prostitution, n.d.). Throughout history, there has been great debate about the social harms caused by prostitution versus the individual rights of prostitutes. Prior to the creation and implementation of
A doctor takes an oath that he or she will do everything in their power to keep a patient alive. But they also take an oath that they will do whatever is in the best interest of their patient.
In addition, in order to have a healthy professional or non-professional relationship you build trust and confidence with each other. All client’s voluntary or involuntary are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity and to have their choices facilitated (Dean H. Hepworth, 2010, p. 27). A bond of trust must exist before people are willing to risk that difficult human experience of change (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 35). Thus, the most fundamental tool of the trade is the use of a professional relationship to help people become open to the possibility of change and actively engaged in the change process (Bradford W. Sheafor, 2008, p. 35).