Endorsed by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), one of the six general competencies medical residents must exhibit prior to graduating from their training programs is professionalism. The definition of professionalism has evolved from the six elements initially adopted by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in 1990, to the six key attributes currently defined by the ACGME: respect, compassion, integrity, responsiveness, altruism, accountability, commitment to excel. 1   

In efforts to uphold these important attributes, the COM-PHX developed educational program objectives which correspond to Professionalism, as defined in their 2012 LCME Self Study report.2 These objectives require graduates to exemplify a professional behavior that exhibits:

  • Compassionate treatment of patients
  • Respect for the confidentiality,  privacy, dignity and peers and faculty
  • Integrity in all interactions with patients, their families and professional colleagues
  • Responsiveness to the needs of patients that supersedes self-interest.
  • Active contribution and participation in promoting the awareness of healthcare
  • Commitment to excellence and life-long learning, recognizing their own limitations and developing and implementing plans to successfully overcome these limitations.
  • Knowledge of and a commitment to uphold ethical principles
  • Knowledge of and respect for the contributions of other health care disciplines and professionals, and appropriate participation, initiative and cooperation as a member of the health care team
  • The ability to credit sources, admit error, and improve behavior
  • Teachable attitude, including giving and receiving constructive criticism, being present and accountable, prepared and engaged.  
  • Ongoing reflection on the standards of medical practice

 These characteristics are assessed throughout the curriculum using measurable objectives by the outcomes listed below:

  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
  • Clinical encounter assessment
  • Capstone journals
  • Case-based Instruction (CBI) Facilitator Assessment
  • Block director student feedback
  • Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE) student assessment
  • Student performance assessment in clerkship
  • Mid-clerkship feedback
  • Faculty assessment of student progress in electives
  • Scholarly project student assessment

 Within the context of medical school, professionalism at the College of Medicine - Phoenix is modeled and promoted within various clinical, academic, and community settings and may be reviewed through the Professionalism Review Module.

Clinical Care

In any clinical setting, a physician must exhibit and maintain professional decorum when interaction with administrative personnel, colleagues, patients, and their families. Demonstration of integrity and truthfulness must pervade documentation in all medical records. An understanding and respect for the contributions of others is also upheld to the highest standard when interacting with and caring for patients. Characteristics of professionalism that illustrate dedication to clinical care are: honor, integrity, accountability, altruism, and commitment to service.

Scholarly Research

Professionalism in scholarly research is demonstrated through the pursuit of significance, innovation, and contribution to a field of study. Physicians pursue novel approaches through collaborative endeavors addressing important problems or identifying critical barriers to progress in the field. The ability to articulate ideas in an understandable manner, engage diverse audiences, and effectively respond to questions with confidence, compassion, and integrity, gauge the progression of the ability to act professional within an academic environment. Key tenets of professionalism in an academic research setting include: ethical behavior, significance to the field, pledge of purpose, application to diverse populations, and high standards of excellence.

Community Engagement

As contributors of the medical community, physicians are obligated to serve as examples for students, faculty, and other members of the community. Participationin professional and community organizations, as well as institutional committees, provides physicians the opportunity to support  an active and involved community.

Attributes that characterize professionalism in a community setting include: awareness of conflicts of interest, continuous self-improvement, service to societal goals, respect for others, and a commitment to life-long learning.

Illustrative examples of the college's students, faculty, or staff modeling this section, in addition, to a narrated tour of outlined aspects are detailed within the following file: Introduction to Professionalism by Stuart Flynn.

References

  1. Shrank, W.H., Reed, V.A. and Jernstedt, G.C. Fostering professionalism in medical education: A call for improved assessment and meaningful incentives. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2004; 19(8): 887-892.
  2. University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix: In LCME Self Study, Educational Program February 19-21, 2012; Phoenix, AZ: 2012:5-6.