Special attention is paid to the internal transformations that are supposed to occur in the process of medical education. Also, we address several alternative ways of viewing physicians and their social roles. Lastly, we address the issue of cultural change, that is, how social forces are changing medical culture. Within this larger structure, each week has a bunch of readings that speak to some of the major issues pertaining to the topic at hand. Some weeks don't, and present a more kaleidoscopic picture of a topic, with the various facets parceled out among the various articles.
Some articles are, frankly, there for fun or for flavor, or to pose questions or provoke thought.
Some illustrate points made by me or by another author. But there are some threads or themes that pervade the course, and we turn and return to them in various contexts. Topic Aug 8 Introduction to the course and classmates. A direct attack on preconceived notions about medical practice. Sept 4 Orientation to the hospital and ER internship.