Fostering Professionalism in Medical Education: the Common Ground Professionalism Initiative at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Professionalism in healthcare education can be challenging to define, implement, and assess across students, faculty, staff, and administration. Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine created the Common Ground Professionalism Initiative (CGPI) to address these challenges through a unified approach. By breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, CGPI promotes adherence to universally defined CORE values: collaboration, opportunity, respect, and expertise. This initiative emerged as part of the college's strategic response to institutional challenges, emphasizing shared accountability and a collective commitment to professionalism as a foundation for future growth and community trust moving forward.