Transformative reflection for practicing physicians and surgeons: Reclaiming professionalism, wisdom and moral agency

This book is addressed to physicians and surgeons but the principles upon which it rests would be valuable for members of any profession. The Transformative Reflective Process has been designed and, over many years, tested in everyday practice with medical practitioners. Its focus is to unpack and explore the decision-making and professional judgements that doctors use frequently in everyday practice. The intention of this is to promote the development and growth of practical wisdom in order to enhance the quality of patient care. Transformative Reflection can radically enlighten a medical professional's understanding of themselves, their detailed thinking, and the nuances of their practice. The process sharpens a doctor's acumen (their ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions) and enables them to articulate for themselves and develop further, the deepest elements of what characterises their practice. In this sense therefore, it offers truly worthwhile education. It also provides a means of sharing the complexity and special nature of medical practice with those both inside and outside medicine, who need to understand it better. It has the potential, we believe, when shared, to benefit society's understanding of what is involved inside medical practice and thus clarify what it is reasonable to expect from The NHS's human servants.