Module 1 · Calling

Identity, Vocation & Calling

Who am I becoming?

Introduction

Why this module exists

Medicine can be entered as a career, practiced as a profession, and lived as a vocation. This module asks future physicians to name honestly why they chose medicine, and to begin seeing clinical competence as an expression of a calling rooted in the dignity of the human person.

Distinguish career, profession and vocation in the practice of medicine
Articulate a personal answer to 'why medicine?'
Ground medical service in the dignity of the human person
Learn from the witness of St. Giuseppe Moscati

Why medicine?Career vs profession vs vocationIdentity beyond achievementHuman dignityServicePhysician responsibilitySt. Giuseppe MoscatiIntegrating medicine and faith

Session

Formation session video

Stage 1 session — Calling

Recording is published by the program director after the Friday session.

Required

Readings

Catechism

CCC §1700 — The dignity of the human person
CCC §§1701–1709 — Made in the image of God

Optional

Deeper study

The Charter for Health Care Workers Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

Browse the full Bioethics Library

Reflection

Answer honestly — this is private

What first drew you to medicine — and is that still true?

Whose expectations are shaping your path right now?

Where do you already see your work as service rather than achievement?

Discussion

For the cohort

What is the difference between a doctor people admire and a doctor people trust?
How does a Catholic understanding of dignity change the way we take a history?

Prayer

This week's prayer

“Lord, you have called me by name before I ever wore a white coat. Form in me the physician my future patients will need.”

Interactive medical case

The Patient Nobody Wants

A patient who is homeless, intoxicated, and verbally abusive has returned to the emergency department for the fourth time this month. The team's tone changes when his name appears on the board. The student is asked to take the history.

Personal application

This week, in your own life

Write a one-paragraph statement of vocation you would be willing to read aloud to your cohort.

Ministry application

This week, in the cohort

Interview one practicing physician about the moment medicine became a vocation for them.

Knowledge check

Which best describes medicine understood as a vocation?

Notes

Your module notes

Notes and reflections save automatically on this device.

The question beneath everything

What kind of doctor are you becoming?