Medical Humanities

Syllabi: Professionalism and Power

INSTITUTION: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

PRESENTER: Dixie L. Benshoff, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice. She was formerly the Administrative Director and Clinical Director of Health Psychology of the Pain Management Center at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She has provided consultation and conducted training programs for professionals in industry, education, and medicine in the community. She is author of a number of monographs and articles, including a chapter in a textbook on Skills for Effective Human Services Management, by Edwards and Yankey.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Martin Kohn, Ph.D., Director of the Human Values in Medicine Program (email: mfk@neoucom.EDU)

ENROLLMENT: BS/MD; selective; limit: 20

SEMESTER: Fall 1999
October 5, 12, 19, 26 (Tuesday evenings 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

LEARNING GOALS: Participants will be able to (1) identify effective behavior in themselves and others; (2) practice effective responses in a variety of situations; (3) practice specific strategies for dealing with the manipulative and/or aggressive behavior of others, with an emphasis on increasing cooperation between themselves and other medical staff or patients; (4) discuss ethical considerations in the use of various techniques; (5) evaluate behavioral choices, taking into account the power setting, the relative risks, and the possible outcomes; and (6) analyze the results of their interactions so that they can make more effective choices in the future.

OUTLINE:

Introduction: Description of passive, assertive, and aggressive behavior choices,identification of patterns of interaction.

Practice of behavior choice alternatives: simple assertion in equal relationships, giving feedback, and making requests.

Strategies for problem interactions. Using assertion in power relationships.

Evaluation of results of behavior choices and updating of goal plan.
Advanced practice.

REQUIREMENTS: Participants will be required to attend all four sessions and keep observation diaries of their behavior choices or other assigned homework during the week between each session. Reading of the suggested texts is helpful, but optional. Active practice of behavior is required.

READING LIST:

Alberti, Robert E., Your Perfect Right, 1978.

Fentsertheim, Herbert, Don't Say "Yes" When You Want to Say "No", 1978.

Bach, George, Creative Aggression, 1977.

Lange, A. and Jakubowski, P. Responsible Assertive Behavior.

HVM CREDITS: 3