Healthy doctors, healthy communities

J Ambul Care Manage. 2004 Oct-Dec;27(4):328-38. doi: 10.1097/00004479-200410000-00005.

Abstract

Promoting health and eliminating disease are goals of Healthy People 2010, a national initiative for all communities. Physician-directed interventions that advance these principles are most effective when directed by clinicians who regularly participate in such healthy behaviors themselves. This pilot study describes an 8-week intervention, "Well-being for You and Your Patients," for first-year medical students to experience health behavior change. In the 2-hour sessions, students set goals for changing health behavior in 6 dimensions of wellness; report their progress; and enjoy a 30-minute change-of-pace wellness activity. The authors recommend adapting the course for medical student alumni to facilitate health behavior change with small groups of adults, school-age children, teens, and elders in churches, schools, community health centers, and other community-based organizations. Through continuing medical education and Grand Rounds, residents and physicians in practice could also be trained to implement specific behavioral change strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Curriculum
  • District of Columbia
  • Education, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Students, Medical / psychology