Reflection, Reframing, Perspectives

     "Reflection ... is a process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience, which then creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self and results in a changed conceptual perspective. The ability for a changed perspective becomes an important skill in medical practitioners as it allows them to reframe a problem, question personal assumptions and look at problems or issues from multiple perspectives when necessary. When physicians or health care personnel use the skill to reflect on their own lives and experiences, or beliefs, values, and assumptions and how they might differ from others, this can raise the awareness of their own feelings and increase the capacity to respond empathically towards their own patients. Traditional medical education has mostly focused on the teaching of facts and clinical skills as the 'hallmark' of a good education and has 'undervalued reflection in learning'. The need to prepare students as life-long self-directed learners call for an approach to learning that reflection can foster, such as the ability to define their learning needs, goals and monitor their learning process. Moreover, the reflective process is crucial to facilitate moving through the physician's learning-episode stages where the ability to focus on how the problem fits within the doctor's life and scope of practice is a central feature."

       Walcher ME. A look in the mirror: Self-development and transformational learning in medical students. Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences 2013; 73: 8-A.