Character in Medicine

What is Character?

The KNN defines character as: "A constellation of characteristics—moral, civic, intellectual and performance—formed over time and manifest in dispositions and practices." 

Character can be viewed as the “complex [constellation] of psychological characteristics that [motivates and] enables individuals to act as moral agents.” (Berkowitz & Bier, 2004, p. 76)

These characteristics are developmentally dependent and contextually formed over time. Character manifests in dispositions and practices, which are influenced by situations and valued according to the sociocultural context.

The KNN's character work has been informed by the following sources: 

• Berkowitz MW, Bier MC. Research-Based Character Education. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. 2004;591(1):72-85.
   
• Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues (2013). A Framework for Character Education in Schools. University of Birmingham, Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
   
• In addition, this definition was adapted from and informed by the work of several other authors including Larry Nucci, PhD and Philippa Foot, PhD.

Developing and Employing the KNN's Character Definition

What is the Role of the Medical Profession?

The KNN believes that as a profession, medicine has a responsibility to attend to character at both the individual and organizational level by:

• Affirming the character strengths of our members and nurturing their ongoing character growth.
• Supporting the development of practical wisdom for the healthcare context.
• Providing environments that allow all members of the healthcare team to flourish (patients, clinicians, learners, team members).