Social and academic values emphasizing individualism, competition, and unidisciplinary thinking affect the development of interdisciplinary programs. Interdisciplinary health care teams must be concerned with interprofessional and professional-client relationships and shared team values, which should be addressed in gerontological and geriatric…

Presents a model for understanding the socialization process of physicians, nurses, and social workers as a way for acquiring a professional identity based on values and meanings. Explores the literature as it relates to this framework and describes the educational implications of these patterns for professionals who must work together. (RJM)