title: Obligations of an academic and clinical oncologist: historical reflections.
abstract: Obligations are derived from one's core values-those fundamental, enduring, deeply held beliefs that guide one's everyday actions. Gandhi stated it more eloquently than I ever could: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." So what are the obligations of the academic oncologist and clinician? I believe there are a few indubitable and fundamental obligations: professionalism, patient care, stewardship, maintenance of knowledge, productivity, and mentorship). I might add that I do not see these obligations as unique to the academician but rather applicable to all physicians.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000266:history*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000266:history*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004526:Efficiency; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000266:history*; D008611:Mentors / Q000266:history; D005791:Patient Care / Q000266:history; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000266:history*; D010820:Physicians / Q000266:history* / Q000523:psychology; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000266:history* / Q000523:psychology