Dr. Barakat is the Associate Dean, Professionalism and professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba. Dr. Barakat completed a 10 year term as the Dept. Head of Psychiatry and Medical Director, Mental Health Program, WRHA. Prior to these positions Dr. Barakat was the Director, Mood Disorders Program, Health Sciences Centre; Director, Postgraduate Education Program, Department of Psychiatry; and Member, Education Council, Canadian Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Barakat is a Consultant in Professionalism and Professional Boundaries Issues. She is the Past Chairperson of the Psychiatry Test Committee, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; Past President, Manitoba Psychiatric Association; and past Member of the Council of Provinces, Canadian Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Barakat has lectured extensively at the undergraduate, postgraduate, continuing medical education and community level with regards to Mood Disorders, gender issues in medical practice and Professional Boundaries.

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Medical Professionalism

By Dr. Samia Barakat, Associate Dean Professionalism

When asked, most people express the desire to be treated by physicians who, in addition to being masters of their craft, care deeply about their patients.

Professionalism is the term used to describe those skills, attitudes and behaviors which are expected from individuals during the practice of their profession and includes concepts such as:
    o    maintenance of competence
    o    ethical behaviour
    o    integrity
    o    honesty
    o    altruism
    o    service to others
    o    adherence to professional codes
    o    justice
    o    respect for others
    o    self regulation

Medical Professionalism is the keystone of the social contract between medicine and the public at large. Studies have demonstrated that lapses in professional behaviour observed in medical school are associated with subsequent unprofessional conduct in practice. It is of critical importance to go beyond curricular strategies and take steps to ensure that our medical school environment and culture support learners, faculty’s professional development and create a learning environment that will allow learners to become true professionals as they acquire the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality patient care.

The goal of the Professionalism Office at our Faculty of Medicine is to move towards the complete integration of a culture of professionalism within the Faculty of Medicine medical community including staff, faculty, residents and students.  This is to be achieved through embracing, teaching, articulating the attributes of professionalism to faculty, students and staff and incorporating those attributes into the examinations of learners and annual review process for faculty.

The Professionalism Charter:  Guiding Principles for Beer and Skits was developed through a partnership between students and faculty representation.

Diversity at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba

Canada’s diversity is multifaceted and remarkable. Canadians are equally diverse in terms of cultural and ethnic origin. Our diversity is mainly rooted in our history and geography.

The Faculty of Medicine recognizes diversity broadly, encompassing diversity in culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, physical ability, geography, religion and socioeconomic status.

Studies have shown that patients have better health outcomes when they receive care from a provider that can appreciate or relate to their background and experiences. Patients are more likely to visit a physician and adhere to a recommended care plan when their physician provides culturally safe and competent health care.

To be socially accountable, the Faculty of Medicine will integrate diversity into academic planning, curriculum and human resources. Also, the Faculty of Medicine will demonstrate efforts to promote these principles in policy development, research and health care delivery.In September 2010, Dr. Samia Barakat was appointed Associate Dean, Professionalism & Diversity.

Goals of the Diversity Office:

• To diversify the applicant pool through early enrichment and intervention programs for high school and higher education institution students who are considering medical school.

• To develop Policies and programs which support and enhance diversity for all learners, faculty and administrative staff.

• To ensure that each student with a disability is entitled to reasonable accommodation that will assist them to meet the academic as well as technical standards.

The Diversity Policy, approved by the Faculty Executive Council meeting in June 2010, states that the diversity amongst students, staff and faculty is to be promoted and supported, since it strengthens our capacity to provide care and to address disparities in health status and access to health care education and services. The Diversity Policy is available under Links.

References

1.  Merani S, Abdulla S, K Wong J, et al. Increasing tuition fees in a country with two different models of medical education. 2010; 44:577-586.

2. The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC). The future of Medical Education in Canada (FMEC): A Collective vision for MD Education. 2010.
Future of Medical Education in Canada (FMEC): A Collective Vision for MD Education

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Links

Diversity Policy

Guiding Principles: Beer & Skits

 

 

Professional Attire

Professionalism and Medical Students

Professionalism in the Faculty of Medicine Booklet

Social Networking Guidelines