PGIM Oration 2016 - Professionalism in Medicine; the transition of a movable feast and its implications for clinical and educational practices

Abstract

Literarily, a profession means a type of job that requires special education, training, or skill; a professional is a member of such a profession; and professionalism is the demonstration of competence expected from a professional. Professionalism in medicine, however, has been defined with a different connotation; it is generally agreed that professionalism in medicine encompasses a set of attitudes, e.g. collegiality, respecting patients’ autonomy, values, e.g. honesty, integrity, accountability and behaviours, e.g. teamwork, communication, reflective practice, which are associated with the practice of medicine. It is meant to be a profession that practices and displays high standards in these aspects by means of self-regulation.