The philosophical basis of medical practice; doctors and their relationship in the delivery of medical care. Reflective practice and the incorporation of theory into day-to-day medical work.
GENA 820 explores the role of doctors and their therapeutic relationships in the
delivery of medical care. Confidential case discussion is based on participants’
clinical experiences, reflective practice and the translation of biomedical theory
to day-to-day medical work.
GENA 820 provides a systematic review of the
foundational concepts of science as applied to medical practice, critiquing the academic
and philosophic underpinning of modern medicine.
There are eight modules
of study and three face-to-face weekend 'residentials' over the course of
the year. Topics include the socio-culture of modern medicine, the doctor-patient
relationship, consultation studies, the doctor as a person, the world of the patient
and the place of general practice in health care delivery. It is an exciting and rewarding
year of study with colleagues. Residentials may be held online depending on pandemic
restrictions.
| Paper title | Nature of Medical Practice |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GENA820 |
| Subject | General Practice |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2023 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,018.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- GENX 820
- Limited to
- PGCertGP, PGCertPHC, PGDipGP, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPHC, PGDipRPHP, MHealSc
- Eligibility
- Suitable for medical qualifications only.
- Contact
- gp.postgrad@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper comprises eight learning modules:
- Literature and self
- The world of the patient
- The history and culture of modern medicine
- The doctor-patient relationship and reflective practice
- Challenges in clinical relationships
- The place of general practice in primary health care
- The doctor as a person and self-care
- Wisdom in modern practice
- Teaching Arrangements
This is a distance taught paper with three residential during the course of the year, and several audioconferences.
- Textbooks
Required: Cunningham W and Wilson H. Being a doctor: understanding medical practice. 2013. Otago University Press; Dunedin
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding,
Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have
- A renewed sense of direction and purpose in medicine
- Better understanding of the strengths and limitations of modern clinical method, allowing more flexibility in day to day clinical practice
- Increased skill in working with 'difficult' patients resulting in fewer 'heart-sink' moments
- Increased ability to review and reflect on a wide range of challenges within clinical practice
- An improved ability to contribute critically to medico-political discussions
- Better understanding of one's own career choices
- A greater sense of collegiality with others
