Character
The Kern Institute defines character as the complex constellation of psychological characteristics that motivates and enables individuals to act as moral agents. These characteristics are developmentally dependent and contextually formed over time. Character manifests in dispositions and practices, which are influenced by situations and valued according to the sociocultural context. We encourage strong character and good judgement in attributes such as fairness, honesty, kindness, leadership, trust, integrity, and teamwork.
Kern and Character
Definition of Character for Medical Education
Definition of Character for Medical Education
- Character is the complex constellation of psychological characteristics that motivates and enables individuals to act as moral agents.
- These characteristics are developmentally dependent and contextually formed over time.
- Character manifests in dispositions and practices, which are influenced by situations and valued according to the sociocultural context.
Work in Character
Work in Character
- Created and adopted character definition
- Employed character definition within each of the KNN’s seven medical schools
- Hosted a national webinar series focused on character, competence and caring
How we developed Character definition
How we developed Character definition
- Formed workgroup dedicated to developing character definition
- Engaged with national experts, e.g., Jubilee Centre, Christian Miller
- Reviewed various models and frameworks
- Held series of KNN-engaged discussions beginning in June 2017
- Reviewed proposed character definition (March 2018 KNN meeting)
- Disseminated definition across KNN workgroups
- Formed writing team to begin publication of definition in literature
- Began implementing definition of character across our KNN work
Examples of how we are employing the Character definition
Examples of how we are employing the Character definition
- Topic stewards for medical education curriculum (UCSF)
- Integration into student orientation and first year Foundations of Medicine courses (Vanderbilt)
- Launching series of grand round speakers (Dell)
- Using definition in new coaching program for faculty and students (Geisel)
- Integrated into Innovation Proposal Process as well as KINETIC3 teaching academy for faculty (MCW)
- Student discussion sessions reflecting on case studies of good character (UW)
- Integrating character into culture communications (Mayo)
Character Resources
The role of character in medicine
Character in medical education: What is it and why should It matter?
Reflections on character, virtues and the aims of medical education: What moral knowledge is essential to doctoring?
Character: What is it, how good are we, and how can we become better?
Parting the Clouds: Three Professionalism Frameworks in Medical Education
The Jubilee Centre for Character & Virtues
Attribution: Andrea Leep Hunderfund, MD, MHPE, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine