Stay current in medicine

Newly qualified medical practitioners have been urged to keep their professional knowledge and skills up-to-date.

Addressing the Oath Taking Ceremony of the 2017 Graduating Class, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, Dr Peter Adams told the young doctors to stay current, and described the
degree just obtained as their “learner’s permit”.

“It is just your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through your career,” he expressed.

“To achieve professional development is essential even when you receive your specialist qualification in five or six years’ time”.

“Remember that your patients are getting better informed, but the same internet makes it easier for you to keep up-to-date,” he pointed out to the 48 graduates gathered at Mahogany Ridge, on Sunday night.

The Dean also urged them not to forget the art of good physician-patient communication.

He explained that from the patient’s perspective what separates the average physician, from the truly great physician is how well the physician practices the art of medical care.

“Physicians who practise ...focused communication are those that show empathy and respect, listen attentively to patient concerns, calms fears, involves patients in medical care decisions and demonstrates sensitivity to cultural ethnic diversity. Good communications build trust…it improves both patient and physician satisfaction,” Dr Adams stated. (TL)