Reflective professionalism: interpreting CanMEDS' "professionalism".

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professionalism in Medicine

Background:

• The Netherlands is restructuring medical residency training.
• A new general competence profile for medical specialists has been introduced, aligning with the Canadian CanMEDS 2000 model.
• Professionalism is a key competence within this framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a vision for professionalism training that reflects daily medical practice.
• To address limitations of viewing professionalism solely as personal or behavioral traits.
• To establish a training program for residents and instructors based on a nuanced understanding of professionalism.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of prevailing views on professionalism in medical practice.
• Conceptual development of 'reflective professionalism'.

Main Results:

• Traditional views of professionalism (personal or behavioral) are insufficient for training.
• 'Reflective professionalism' better encompasses the contextual nature of medical treatment.
• A shift in training and assessment focus towards accountability for treatment is necessary.

Conclusions:

• Residency training requires a redefined approach to professionalism.
• Reflective professionalism, emphasizing accountability, is crucial for effective medical education.
• Training programs must adapt to incorporate this contextual understanding of professionalism.