Renowned authors and experts in medical professionalism Sylvia Cruess, M.D., and Richard Cruess, M.D., of McGill University delivered the University of Vermont College of Medicine Dean’s Distinguished Lecture in Medical Professionalism on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 in Carpenter Auditorium. The lecture, titled “Professionalism and Medicine’s Social Contract with Society,” was followed by a reception in the Hoehl Gallery in the Health Science Research Facility.

Hosted by the Learning Environment and Professionalism (LEAP) Committee at the College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen, the event supports the College of Medicine’s commitment to creating and maintaining a positive, professional working and learning environment.

“At our academic medical center, we are fully committed to ensuring a respectful, professional environment for all of our learners in every location and a culture of respect for all our employees,” said Dean Frederick C. Morin III, M.D. “The visit by the Drs. Cruess will provide an excellent opportunity to engage in a dialogue on identifying best practices and areas for improvement, developing effective initiatives, and implementing successful programs that help to enhance the learning environment.”

Richard Cruess, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon, professor of orthopedic surgery and a core member of the Centre for Medical Education at McGill University. In addition, he serves as an officer of The Order of Canada and of L’Ordre National du Québec. Sylvia Cruess, M.D., is an endocrinologist, professor of medicine, and member of the Centre for Medical Education at McGill University, as well as an officer of The Order of Canada. Since 1995, the Drs. Cruess have taught and carried out research on professionalism in medicine, publishing extensively on the subject and presenting as invited speakers at universities, hospitals, and professional organizations throughout the world. They are co-editors of Teaching Medical Professionalism (Cambridge University Press, 2008). In 2011, McGill University received a gift that established the Richard and Sylvia Cruess Chair in Medical Education in recognition of the Drs. Cruess significant contributions to the field.

In addition to the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture, the Drs. Cruess delivered an interdisciplinary Perioperative Grand Rounds presentation, a workshop for faculty members, and a medical student/resident workshop session during their visit to the UVM College of Medicine.

Events:
Wednesday, October 23, 4:00 pm, Carpenter Auditorium
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture in Medical Professionalism
“Professionalism and Medicine’s Social Contract with Society”
Reception to follow in the Hoehl Gallery, Health Science Research Facility

Thursday, October 24, 7:00 am, Davis Auditorium
Perioperative Grand Rounds
“Professionalism, Socialization and Professional Identity”

Thursday, October 24, 9:00 -11:00 am, HSRF 200
Faculty Workshop

Thursday, October 24, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Reardon Classroom MEC 300
Medical Student/Resident Workshop Session (Lunch will be served.)

For more information about these events, contact Dr. Nathalie Feldman or Carole Whitaker.