Professionalism

Medical professionalism has been increasingly discussed over the last decade. Its importance in surgical education is also being recognized, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, but difficulty in definition has meant it is hard to assess. Justice Potter Stuart said of pornography ‘I know what it is when I see it’, and professionalism is defined by many in the same way. It is, however, the central core of our work as doctors, inherent in our interactions with patients, colleagues and paramedical staff. It is the behaviour by which we are judged. This article will set professionalism in context in modern surgical education, and will examine available methods to teach, predict and measure it. The professional duties of both individuals and organizations will be examined and the impact of the digital revolution explored.