Working with one's own family: another path for professional development.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Family Systems Theory
• Psychotherapy

Background:

• Clinician-teacher's unresolved family of origin issues can impede family-focused work and education.
• Effective family systems teaching requires self-awareness of personal familial dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how addressing personal family issues impacts a clinician-teacher's ability to work with families and teach medical trainees.
• To demonstrate the application of Bowen Family Systems Theory in professional development.

Main Methods:

• The author engaged in three years of family therapy training based on Bowen Family Systems Theory.
• This process involved differentiating from his own family of origin and addressing personal family issues.

Main Results:

• Personal engagement with family issues enhanced the author's capacity for family systems teaching.
• Improved self-understanding facilitated more effective clinical interactions with patients and their families.

Conclusions:

• Resolving clinician-teacher's family of origin issues is crucial for effective family-centered care and education.
• Bowen Family Systems Theory provides a framework for personal growth that benefits clinical practice and teaching.