B-10: DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS

The mission of the Medical Dosimetry Program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a commitment to the education of medical dosimetrists who are knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated to their profession and their patients. To effectively meet the mission and goals of the program, students must be taught in all three learning domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Professional development of students fits within the affective domain and is required in order for students to be successful in their educational program and for graduates to be effective practitioners. This development must be progressive throughout the medical dosimetry curriculum. In order to facilitate such development, it is necessary to define what the word “professional” means in regard to Medical Dosimetrists and what professional behavior consists of. The following listing, Characteristics and Abilities Essential to the Development of the Professional Medical Dosimetrist, has been compiled based on the original work of the Radiation Therapy program to guide its approach to professional development of its students. Resources for this listing included The ASRT Radiation Therapy Standards of Practice (Professional Performance Standards) and Model for Ability-Based Assessment in Physical Therapy Education, May, et al, Journal of Physical Therapy Education, Vol 9, No.1, Spring 1995.

Characteristics and Abilities Essential to the Development of the Professional Medical Dosimetrist

Commitment to Learning: (Evidenced by)

• Showing respect to all instructors and being attentive in classes and professional meetings • Eagerness to acquire understanding of concepts and development of skills • Use of ongoing self-assessment to evaluate personal performance, knowledge and skills • Seeking out constructive feedback and effectively using it for personal and professional improvement • Exploration and Investigation to advance the professional knowledge base • Maintaining competence in professional practice and development of competence with new technology • Continuing education after graduation to maintain and update knowledge

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: (Evidenced by)

• Development of effective oral, written and nonverbal communication skills • Implementation of effective communication skills in practice with patients, their families and radiation oncology team members • Appropriate interactions with patients, families, colleagues and other health practitioners • Empathy and compassion for patients and their families • Promotion of a positive, collaborative practice atmosphere

Problem solving and Critical thinking: (Evidenced by)

• Ability to recognize and define problems, analyze data, develop and implement solutions and evaluate outcomes • Ability to assess and evaluate situations, logically question, distinguish relevant from irrelevant issues and make appropriate judgments • Application of problem solving and critical thinking skills to personal, patient related or work-related issues.

Effective use of time and resources: (Evidenced by)

• Ability to take initiative and make the most of personal, class, and clinical time to maximize their educational value • Adaptability and creativity in making adjustments to schedule changes and resource availability

Professional conduct: (Evidenced by)

• Use of appropriate dress and appearance to enhance patient and peer confidence • Adherence to the profession’s accepted ethical standards • Commitment to providing optimal care to all patients • Dependability in attendance • Responsibility in fulfilling commitments and in reporting errors • Being accountable for decisions and actions • Support of, and participation in professional organizations • Providing a positive role model and professional image of Medical Dosimetrists to others in public and private settings

Stress Management

• Ability to identify sources of stress and cope effectively with them