Personal Philosophies of Practice: Purposeful Guides for Patient Engagement

At a time when many physicians feel frustrated and burned out, the author invites them to create their own personal philosophies of practice, statements that clarify the purposeful meanings they choose to instill in their work beyond the exigencies of their daily endeavors. Three tasks frame the process of creating a personal philosophy of practice: thinking about what purpose individual physicians attribute to the work of medicine; considering what core concepts steer their professional activities such that they, their patients, and the health of the public at large all benefit; and documenting their own personal philosophy of practice, with an eye toward the future. The author includes three example personal philosophies of practice to help guide readers' creative efforts.