12 - Medical professionalism in the new century

Summary

This chapter illustrates the components of professionalism using the acronym HELPERS-PRO. It argues that humanism and ethics have to be subsumed under the rubric of professionalism. The chapter deals with both the accomplishments of the past and the challenges for the future that one US medical school has articulated. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation et al. (2002) issued reports and a Charter on Professionalism that essentially defined what medical professionals and the field needed to focus on. The history of philosophic and ethical principles predates Hippocrates, these principles remain important underpinnings of our programmes in professionalism and humanism. An important way to institutionalize and highlight the values and goals of professionalism and humanism is through the use of Oaths, Codes and Charters. The chapter also talks about teaching professionalism.