Although each LIFT + SOW Roundtable addressed a different topic, the Tulsa discussion revealed notable overlaps and shared themes, especially around social capital and social mission. Both social capital (relationships across generations related to transference) and social mission (compassionate care for all populations) were central to the conversation about the values and ethics that underpin healthcare in our society.

Roundtable participants explored the state of ethics in medicine, beginning with questions about how the Hippocratic Oath is applied today and why the practice of “do no harm” varies so widely across the country. They reflected on how ethical ideals have shifted from a past centered on avoiding harm, to a present focused on gatekeeping and access, to a future that must prioritize care. Participants noted that the transfer of ethics and care values differs significantly across medical specialties and workforce segments, resulting in uneven accountability. They emphasized storytelling as a powerful tool for transmitting values and highlighted the importance of capturing and documenting shared principles to strengthen quality of care and build a more unified ethical foundation.

Participants also raised concerns about the growing disconnect between medicine and societal change. With distrust in the healthcare system at an all-time high, they asked what it would take to define a shared set of values capable of rebuilding trust, elevating communities, and guiding the next generation of providers. A key theme was the need to shift toward cultural humility. They stressed that only by embracing these shared values can the field move toward a more patient-centered future.

Research Questions

• When is the ideal time to pass down values and ethics across generations?
• How do we determine the best model for transferring values and ethics?
• How do veteran providers perceive empathy and compassion, and how might these perspectives influence the transfer of these values and affect care practices of future generations?
• How can these be measured: standard of care, compassion, values and ethical care?
  
• How is the Hippocratic Oath being used, learned, and interpreted? In what ways has it been shifted or distorted by capitalism?
• How do we rebuild the medical field’s image to renew the public's faith in it?
• How are young doctors changing with technology today?
• How do our values reflect a future world for us?
  
  

Roundtable colleagues also agreed that the definition of the healthcare workforce needs to be expanded beyond just doctors. The traditional healthcare workforce, which primarily includes physicians, is insufficient to meet complex community health needs. We must broaden the definition to encompass a wider range of professionals, paraprofessionals, and community-based workers. This integration is essential for improving access, addressing social determinants of health, and achieving health excellence for all. By valuing this broader workforce, systems can shift from reactive sickness treatment to proactive, holistic wellness, reducing shortages and providing more accessible, culturally competent care.