Commentary: professionalism, unionization, and physicians' strikes.

Area of Science:

• Medical professionalism and ethics
• Health policy and economics
• Physician collective action

Background:

• The social contract of medicine is shaped by national health plans.
• In countries with national health plans, physician negotiations with society are direct.
• This often leads to physician unionization and collective action, including strikes.

Discussion:

• The US is moving towards healthcare reform, potentially necessitating physician representation and collective bargaining.
• Unionization and strikes may challenge medical professionalism for students, residents, and practicing physicians.
• These issues warrant inclusion in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education curricula.

Key Insights:

• Physician unionization and strikes are tools for collective action in healthcare negotiations.
• The impact of these actions on medical professionalism requires careful consideration.
• Medical education should provide a safe space for trainees to discuss these complex issues.

Outlook:

• Anticipate increased discussion and potential implementation of physician collective action in the US.
• Medical schools and residency programs should proactively integrate discussions on unionization and strikes.
• Preparing future physicians for these scenarios is crucial for maintaining ethical practice and patient care.