OPPapers.com

The Socialization Of Caregivers

Assignment: The Socialization of Caregivers
The socialization process of caregivers begins when a student complete their fourth year of medical school, they officially become medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (Dos). But in most cases-depending on their state of residence and medical specialty, they will not be licensed to practice medicine until they then complete a 1-year internship and 2 to 7 years of medical residency (Axia College, 2008). The intensity, uniqueness, and isolation of medical education make it an especially hospitable arena for socialization. Patients may be quick to assume that caregivers do not want to spend time with them, when caregivers may have little say in the matter themselves. Indeed, time constraints seem to bother doctors as well as patients. This is an implication to the patient that the way caregivers communicate is, in part, a reflection of professional pressures. Axia College (2004) stated that, “Increased competition can create stress among caregivers of all types. Although doctors may prefer to remain independent, competition with managed care organizations may leave them little choice but to take part. It remains to be seen if professional competition will improve or damage patient-caregiver relationships” (p.99). The types of reform efforts that are being implemented to improve caregivers’ socialization skills are as follows:
Most medical schools now require some training in psychological and social aspects of illness (Laine & Davidoff, 1996), and some schools are expanding their curricula to include communication skills training, management and business, end-of-life care, and ethics. An innovative program at Harvard Medical School requires students to participate in a 3-year course on doctor-patient relationships (Brach et al., 1991). The program is designed to create “humanistic physicians” who appreciate social and psychological aspects of illness and embody ethics, warmth, and sensitivity. The course...