To cultivate essential competencies required of physicians—particularly non-cognitive skills and professionalism that cannot be measured solely by knowledge and technical ability—Okayama University implements a structured six-year program entitled Behavioral Science and Professionalism Development Courses (Okadai Med Arts).
This program is designed to develop the interpersonal, social, and ethical capacities necessary for medical professionals, fostering attitudes and behaviors that earn trust as healthcare providers. It is a core compulsory subject and is subject to continuous performance-based assessment.

Overview

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅠ　～Okadai Med ArtsⅠ～

Students learn the fundamentals of professionalism, self-awareness, understanding others, and basic communication skills. In addition, through off-campus training and experiential learning, students deepen their understanding of society and healthcare settings, taking their first step as medical students.

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅡ　～Okadai Med ArtsⅡ～

Students study research ethics and the importance of dialogue in interpersonal relationships. They also develop practical communication skills, including approaches such as Humanitude, and deepen their understanding of diversity.

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅢ　～Okadai Med Arts Ⅲ～

Students examine the relationship between healthcare and society from multiple perspectives and explore career development as physicians. They gain a broader understanding of their roles as healthcare professionals.

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅣ　～Okadai Med Arts Ⅳ～

In addition to developing a practical understanding of interprofessional collaboration, students learn to engage with patients’ narratives through the lens of narrative medicine and explore healthcare practices that respect diversity.

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅤ　～Okadai Med Arts Ⅴ～

Students integrate their learning by incorporating perspectives such as Whole Person Care and medical anthropology. Through reflection, they reassess and deepen their own professionalism.

Professionalism・Behavioral ScienceⅥ　～Okadai Med Arts Ⅵ～

Looking ahead to postgraduate clinical training, students prepare to apply the competencies they have developed to clinical practice. The course aims to foster autonomous growth as medical professionals.