Dr. L. Lee Hamm, Dean of the School of Medicine, frequently reminds students and faculty of the “guiding principles” which should drive our behavior and decision-making as an institution. These guiding principles were developed by the school of medicine’s professionalism program in collaboration with a number of others to help shape how we should perform. The five guiding principles are:
- Respect – Treat everyone,regardless of position or authority, with kindness and courtesy
- Ethical Integrity – Do the right thing, even when its hard or inconvenient
- Communication – Have clear and timely communication that is focused on achieving solutions
- Accountability – Know and do what is expected of you in your role
- Drive for Excellence – Continuously deliver and improve your best work
Additionally, the dean encourages us to base our interactions with each other on qualities which embody the humanistic aspects of relationships and patient care. These include trust, kindness, compassion, community, pride, inspiration, and gratitude. Fostering these qualities in our trainees is an essential aspect of medical education here at Tulane.
