Health care professionals work to serve the community and provide good quality care. A high level of patient-centered care is achieved through the fusion of the core values ​​of an integrated health professional (IHP) (Olckers, Gibbs, Duncan 2007: 2). Through a family member's experience with a healthcare professional, I personally learned the importance of becoming an IHP, which will be discussed further below. The IHP Framework: The IHP Framework is a model that describes the fundamental concepts of becoming a competent healthcare professional. The IHP framework is used to develop oneself as a healthcare professional who is not only knowledgeable and knowledgeable in their area of ​​work, but also empathetic and thoughtful, enabling care to be provided to all patients with respect, responsibility and the most high level of ethics. . This holistic approach to health allows for constant growth and improvement by encouraging self-awareness through reflection. It guides students towards a deeper understanding of professionalism and its dimensions in their specific work environment by focusing on the integration of three central components: knowledge; empathetic and thoughtful. The IHP framework creates a balanced foundation of professionalism on which lifelong learning and improvement are based. (Olckers, Gibbs, Duncan 2007: 2) Knowledge dimension: The knowledge dimension focuses on the acquisition of relevant information and understanding of health care and the skills necessary to provide it. It also encompasses the “appropriate application” of that knowledge. It is based on prior knowledge and continually improved through lifelong learning to ensure accountability and responsibility. The evolving and changing field of healthcare requires...... middle of paper ...... professional capable of delivering holistic practice and ensuring constant development and innovation. (Olckers, Gibbs, Duncan 2007: 2) Reference list: Olckers, L. Gibbs, T. and Duncan, M. 2007. Transforming health sciences students into integrated health professionals: a practical learning tool . BMC Medical Education 7:145Gibson, Swartz & Sandenbergh 2002. Listen deeply. In Advice and adaptation. Cape Town: Oxford University Press Southern Africa: 21Chochinov, HM 2007: 187. Dignity and the essence of medicine: the A, B, C and D of dignity-preserving care. BMJ: 185-187Gibson, K. Swartz, L. & Sandenbergh, R. 2002. Coping with feelings. In Advice and adaptation. Cape Town: Oxford University Press Southern Africa: 35French, S. & Swain, J. 2008. Understanding Disability: A Guide for Health Professionals. Philadelphia: Churchilll Livingstone Elsevier: 4