[EDUCATION AND MEDICINE - TWO COMPLIMENTARY PROFESSIONS: WHAT CAN BE LEARNED FROM JANUSZ KORCZAK?]

Publisher: Israel Medical Association Country of Publication: Israel NLM ID: 0034351 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0017-7768 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00177768 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Harefuah Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Tel Aviv : Israel Medical Association

Learning* ; Physicians*; Humans ; Male

Introduction: The comparison between education and medicine is based on the philosophy of Janusz Korczak, who was not only a successful pediatrician, but also an extraordinary educator. In the two orphanages that he directed he focused his interest on those two domains. Both the educator and the physician have two basic roles - to diagnose and to treat/intervene. The process of diagnosis is an ongoing process, based on routine and constant check-ups/evaluations. In both cases that process consists of objective data, as well as intuition. Both may encounter ambiguous symptoms in their patients/students, which may mislead them to incorrect conclusions (for example cough / boredom could stem from diverse causes). Both should be able to detect minute changes, relate them to their sources, and in the case of a setback, decide on the alternative steps of treatment/intervention. In the case of improvement and/or positive development - encouragement is a crucial need in both cases. Yet, in the case of speedy improvement, while a medical intervention may not be needed any longer, continuing extra attention and scholastic interventions are vital in the case of speedy advancement of gifted students. Regarding the second role of the educator and the physician - treatment/intervention- both professionals need to teach their clients how to avoid complications, blunders, or ill health. In both cases this can be characterized as preventive care. Furthermore, both should utilize a personalized/individualized form of treatment. Based on the assumption that every person has their own personal metabolism, as well as a unique personality, modern medicine, and proper education, should both search for the best individualized and appropriate intervention for each patient/student. Finally, both professionals should treat their patients/clients in a holistic manner- engaging the person as a whole, and not focusing on a specific attribute of a component.

Date Created: 20200421 Date Completed: 20200710 Latest Revision: 20200710

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