This book presents ideas evidence and guidance for those interested in using the most recent advances in knowledge about learning and human development to enhance medical education s ability to form competent caring and publicly responsible physicians It does this by establishing the development of a professional identity in medical students and residents as a primary goal of medical education This new approach is emerging from experience and experiment by medical educators articulating a new way of understanding their mission It is an optimistic book the voices are those of the leaders theorists and experienced practitioners who have found in this new approach a promising way to confront the challenges of a new era in medicine It summarizes the theoretical basis of identity formation outlines our current knowledge of how best to assist learners as they acquire a professional identity and addresses the issue of assessment of progress towards this goal
