Medical professionalism: is it really under threat?

Recent publications on medical professionalism have created an impression of a medical profession under siege in several countries. These publications recommend a new approach to medical professionalism to assist the profession to respond to new challenges. I suggest that the issue is not one of failed professionalism, but a shift in the balance of the ethical responsibilities brought about by major changes in health care systems. This shift has not yet been accepted or responded to by the medical profession. Medical professionalism is not under threat in Australia. Stronger leadership is required to address this altered ethical balance in the responsibilities of doctors.