Competence is Always My Priority

My patients and their families allow me to help them with the most important decisions of their lives. This is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously. To remain competent in managing patients' care is the key element in a healthcare provider's responsibility to their patients. 

While still relevant, in 2003 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (US) Committee on the Health Professions Education Summit agreed that there are five general components of competence that healthcare providers should maintain. Providing patient centered care, working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, using evidence-based practice, consistently applying quality improvement practices, and effectively utilizing informatics are the general components to competent practice (IOM, 2003). Maintaining these competencies requires discipline and persistent commitment. Regardless, the stakes of incompetence are adverse events, which can adversely effect patients' lives. I take this very seriously. This is why I committed to competence early in my career, and intend to maintain competence for the remaining time of my career.