Professionalism, Ethics, and Leadership in Healthcare

Professionalism is indispensable in healthcare professions because it provides providers with strategies to engage patients, put their needs first and maintain patient trust toward healthcare providers and systems.

MAHEC Healthcare Professionalism workshops focus on the development of many admirable soft skills, such as: Conflict resolution, healthcare ethnics, Adaptability, Leadership and Collaboration. On January 26, 2021, MAHEC held a statewide virtual workshop on Professionalism and Ethics in Health Care. The panelists were hosted by

ECMO AHEC:

• Jacqueline Kennedy Jefferson, System Leader, Diversity and Inclusion, SSM Health. She advised students, “Look for a company that has values that align with your values.”

• Melissa Miller, HR Business Partner at SSM Health emphasized that a job is a series of related activities, while a career is pursuing your passion. She said, “You will meet people who don’t look like you or talk like you and you will be able to learn how to interact and develop compassion for all kinds of people.”

• Carissa van den Berk Clark, Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Deputy Director SLU AHEC remarked, “You really want to figure out what technical and soft skills you want to develop, then find a mentor who will help you design a project where you can develop these skills.”

Professionalism, Leadership and Ethics in Health Care training for high school ACES (AHEC Career Enhancement Scholars) and healthcare professions students (AHEC Scholars) is a key component of AHEC training programs across the state:

• NWMO AHEC provided interview training, facilitated a leadership development session, and organized a session on interpersonal communication and making good first impressions.

• NEMO AHEC hosts health professions programs from across the state, including Missouri State University, Truman State University, ATSU, etc. Students learn admissions requirements, and program specifics; and are given the information to determine which college or university is a “good fit” for them.

 • WCMO AHEC recently facilitated a college panel for their ACES students which includes resume development, interviewing skills, and asking for letters of recommendation.

• MidMO AHEC provides ACES students in the Way Med program at Waynesville High School a 3-hour program on Leadership in Healthcare and TeamSTEPPS. Students watch videos demonstrating the difference leadership makes; complete team exercises with and without leadership; and participate in a discussion about the value of leadership.

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