Professionalism Charter Adds a Champion

June 28, 2018 · Margaret E. O'Kane

When I first wrote about the Charter on Professionalism for Health Care Organizations, I didn’t anticipate that I’d soon be able to pass along this great news:

Don Berwick has endorsed the charter, too!

As founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Don’s voice is vital to the charter’s support.

No one has done more to advance health care quality and patient well-being. He has also seen health care from every angle: as a practitioner, as president of IHI and as administrator of CMS.

For years, Don was known for keeping a sign on his desk that read, “How does it help the patient?” His focused blend of idealism and pragmatism is a core feature of professionalism that the charter can stimulate. Don understands that professionalism must be nurtured in individuals and supported in organizations.

And he is in good company! Don joins the many distinguished organizations that have endorsed the charter:

• Academy on Communication in Healthcare
• American Nurses Association
• Council of Medical Specialty Societies
• Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
• Hofstra/Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies
• Legacy Health
• NCQA
• National Minority Quality Forum
• Northwell Health
• Oregon Health & Science University
• Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care

Notice how varied the endorsing organizations are—and the list keeps growing. It’s gratifying, and appropriate, to see people from diverse disciplines and different parts of the country come together on this important issue.