title: The Osler Student Societies of the University of Texas medical branch: a medical professionalism translational tool.
abstract: This essay reviews some of the issues associated with the challenge of integrating the concepts of medical professionalism into the socialization and identity formation of the undergraduate medical student. A narrative-based approach to the integration of professionalism in medical education proposed by Coulehan (Acad Med 80(10):892-898, 2005) offers an appealing method to accomplish the task in a less didactic format and in a way that promotes more personal growth. In this essay, I review how the Osler Student Societies of the University of Texas Medical Branch developed and how they offer a convenient vehicle to carry out this narrative-based approach to professionalism. Through mentor-modeled professional behavior, opportunities for student self-reflection, the development of narrative skills through reflection on great literature, and opportunities for community service, the Osler Student Societies provide a ready-made narrative-based approach to medical professionalism education.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0526, USA. mmalloy@utmb.edu
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Malloy
mesh_terms: D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D012933:Social Identification; D012952:Societies; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013781:Texas; D014495:Universities