Character ethics and interprofessional practice: Description and analysis

To be an effective interprofessional clinician, one must consistently practice essential character traits of courtesy, curiosity, and courage. This assertion is derived from many years of observation and practice by the authors within a variety of healthcare settings. The background for this analysis includes references to trends in interprofessional education and practice, workplace incivility, and group function. The traits are defined and analyzed within a framework of virtue or character ethics. How each trait provides necessary checks and balances to the others is discussed.