JAMES COOK SCHOOl OF MEDICINE BLOG & UPDATES
The University Core Values
Seven core values, articulated in 2003-2004 but always at the heart of the University's mission, ground and enliven the institution's academic and co-curricular programs and its operating ethos. These values ground and enliven the University's identity, Mercy heritage and commitment to knowledge for both personal enhancement and social progress.
RESPECT
Respect moves us to understand the gifts and unique contributions of every person in the University community and to value diverse perspectives. Immigrants, Men, girls and young women, women whose education had been interrupted by family responsibilities, those who were the first in their families to attend college -- in different eras, these groups lacked opportunity to acquire a medical education. Respect for personal dignity and individual potential has consistently prompted JCSM to welcome these students and help them succeed.
EXCELLENCE
Excellence commits us to challenge ourselves to utilize our given gifts -- intellectual, social, physical, and ethical. JCSM's commitment to excellence impels both individuals and the University itself to consistently strive for outcomes that are exemplary rather than simply satisfactory. Such striving for excellence touches all aspects of University life from academic programs to sports, from student services to campus environment, from recruitment to publications, from special occasions to daily business. This value also inspires the University community to recognize its members' significant achievements and contributions to the welfare of others.
COMPASSION
Compassion compels us to stand with and embrace others in their suffering This value reflects the reality that mercy demands commitment, courage and action, as well as sensitivity, understanding and care. Members of the JCSM community stand with their colleagues in times of personal crisis or grief and express compassion through multiple endeavors that respond to the needs of others within and beyond the University.
SERVICE
Service calls us to use our gifts, talents and abilities to advance the genuine well-being of our community and those we encounter. Service to students is a basic tenet of life at the James Cook School of Medicine, as is service by students, staff and Schools -- each lending personal skills and professional expertise to assist others through campus clinics, off-campus internships, service trips and numerous volunteer opportunities that extend the ethos and the value of service well beyond JCSM's campuses.
HOSPITALITY
Hospitality draws us to do our daily work that welcomes new ideas and people of all backgrounds and beliefs. At JCSM the value of hospitality means making space for an unexpected visitor, a surprising idea, a fresh insight, even a disturbing question or challenging opportunity. Welcoming the ideas of another may not result in agreement, but such hospitality does require attentive listening and a readiness to reconsider one's position.
DIVERSITY
Diversity builds a community that fosters a climate that is open and welcoming to diverse people, ideas and perspectives; that promotes a constructive discourse on the nature of diversity; and that engages faculty, staff and students in activities that promote the University's core values.Today's diverse student body has expanded such early diversity, and the University continues its efforts to enrich the diversity of its Schools and staff. Such diversity strengthens JCSM's academic program and educational environment, preparing students to live and work in an international society and global economy.
LEARNING FOR LIFE
Learning for Life, in the medical profession, encourages us to pursue knowledge and truth throughout our lives in ways that improve our communities and ourselves and that strengthen our understanding of each other. JCSM's commitment to the Medical Sciences, as well as to a variety of professional programs, is a commitment to education as a means of liberating people to live meaningful lives as well as earn a decent living. In accord with the value of learning for life, the University enrolls students of all ages and supports programs and activities that expand the knowledge of members of the broader community, whatever their age or formal education.
JCSM Professor Wins Prize
James Cook School of Medicine Professor, Victoria Cantwell, MB.Ch.B., Ph.D., MBA, DBA, FRCPath. has been awarded the inaugural James Cook Medical Students' Association (JCMSA) National Teaching Award.
Professor Victoria Cantwell, a Professor of Medical Genetics, and Medical School Clinical Skills Coordinator, was honoured for her outstanding commitment to the education of medical students.
The James Cook School of Medicine lecturer has pioneered a first student tutoring rotation that emphasizes on the role of senior medical students and junior doctors in clinical skills tuition for junior medical students.
JCMSA President Richards Ryan Cohen said that Dr Victoria's commitment to medical education and teaching was exemplary.
"This is the highest honour that James Cook medical students can bestow upon any teacher. Dr Victoria is an outstanding doctor and teacher, and thoroughly deserving of this award," he said.
Professor Victoria has created a nationally recognized clinical skills program, introducing Year 1 and Year 2 medical students to the world of clinical medicine using innovative approaches to teaching. These include peer feedback and early exposure to learning.
She is also an avid supporter of rural health.
"Her quick wit, light-hearted nature and genuine interest in students has seen her become not only well respected, but well loved by the entire student body.
"'James Cook medical students are extremely proud of Dr Victoria's work and success," said Dr. Xavier.
JCSM At a Glance
Over the years hitherto, we have developed a reputation for training passionate Physicians, Nurses and other health professionals, who are very competent and dedicated to the profession. At James Cook School of Medicine (JCSM)
We strive to better our students through Educational , Clinical experiences and residency placements both in and out of the classroom, and our high USMLE and PLAB pass rate for United States and United Kingdom Students. James Cook School of Medicine aims to create a haven where students feel safe to tackle medical challenges and accomplish all of their goals, both personally and professionally.
We offer a variety of Medical Programs, Postgraduate Medical & Surgical Programs (Medical Residency), Clinical Fellowship Programs, Clinical Rotations as well as a guaranteed Residency placement worldwide designed to help students be the best & Passionate Physicians & Medical Practitioners they have always aspired to be, with our robust and high standard medical curriculum. We also offer Programs in Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Psychology
Ever dreamt to be a Physician/Allied Health Scientist? Then Join us let's make your dreams come true
The JCSM White Coat Ceremony Class of 2013
The White Coat Ceremony is the culmination of an intensive orientation program that welcomes incoming medical students to the James Cook School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the medical profession.
The Symbol of a Profession
At the White Coat Ceremony, incoming students received their white coats from the School of Medicine faculty members, then take an oath — one they have written as a class — pledging honesty and integrity in their practice of medicine. Family and friends are invited to witness as students take their first symbolic step into the medical profession.
For Doctor of Medicine students in the class of 2013 recorded the highest population in the University history, orientation at the School of Medicine culminated on June 12th with a traditional rite of passage, the White Coat Ceremony. At the ceremony, students of the largest-ever MD class at the James Cook School of Medicine— 124 students from Ten countries — took an oath and received their white coats. The white coat symbolizes professionalism and compassion in patient care.
In the oath, which they had written as a class, students pledged to serve as their patients’ advocates, educating and empowering them as “guardians of their own health.
Student Oath
Written by the Entering Class of 2013
As I begin the study of medicine, I take this oath freely and upon my honor.
To my patients, I pledge that:
I will make you my priority as I support you in realizing your full health potential;
I will hold sacred our partnership by earning your trust and working to understand your story;
I will empower you and your loved ones to make choices that reflect your values and beliefs;
I will serve you with humility and be grateful for the lessons you teach me.
To my profession, I pledge that:
I will devote myself to a lifetime of learning, teaching, and mentoring;
I will advance the art and science of medicine through inquiry;
I will practice with integrity and empathyI will respect the unique expertise of all members of the healthcare team
and embrace our interdependence.
To society, I pledge that:
I will champion accessible, equitable, and sustainable care for all;
I will build a safe environment by holding myself and others accountable for our biases;
I will confront historical traumas and systemic injustices that continue to impact
people’s lives, especially those perpetuated by the institution of medicine;
I will fulfill my responsibility to advocate for progress.
To myself, I pledge that:
I will recognize my limitations and act within my capabilities;
I will request and provide assistance without hesitation;
I will navigate medicine’s complexity with my best judgment, learn from my mistakes, and
seek forgiveness;
I will embrace my humanity and care for myself in order to best care for others.
I celebrate this opportunity and am grateful to those
who support and inspire me.
May I hold fast to the principles and passion with which I take this oath.