Schoolwide Values

The mission of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) is to prepare future graduates to be leaders and role models in patient care, medical research, education, and health-care policy. Their experiences at VP&S will enable them to shape the future and set the standards for medicine throughout the United States and globally. Their guided exposure and training will allow them to exhibit the highest principles of humanism and professionalism in their responsibilities to their patients, to their community, and to society.

At VP&S we aspire to educate the next generation of physician leaders to serve our neighboring, national, and global communities using the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to promote the health and state-of-the-art care for patients.  The values of humanism, collaboration, inquiry, tranformation, growth, and wellness individually and together inspire our every effort in pursuit of this mission.

Humanism and Collaboration 

  • Build authentic relationships with patients and team members through active listening, fostering empathy, and shared decision-making
  • Partner with physicians-in-training, sharing values and expertise to ensure future generations of outstanding care providers who will reduce suffering and promote the health of patients and the wellness of communities
  • Promote equity and eliminate systematic opression within the healthcare system, educational settings, and in interpersonal interactions

Inquiry and Transformation

  • Engage in scientific investigation to expand understanding, drive innovation, and transform Medicine
  • Critically assess and apply emerging scientific evidence to advance systems that ensure high quality equitable healthcare

Growth and Wellness 

  • Develop a pattern of reflective practice and awareness of personal biases and limitations, and engage with others of diverse backgrounds to inform growth and lifelong learning 
  • Attend to personal wellness and pursue support when needed, recognizing this as a professional strength 

These statements represent the schoolwide values for the VP&S curriculum. Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of each prior to graduation.