Responding to unprofessional behaviours

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professionalism in Medicine
• Healthcare Ethics

Background:

• Medical educators address inappropriate behaviors of doctors in training that risk careers and patient safety.
• International workshops used case discussions to share learning on managing challenging professional behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key themes and differences in managing challenging professional behaviors of doctors in training.
• To provide value to tutors and clinical educators managing such situations.

Main Methods:

• Workshops at international meetings.
• Case-based discussions.
• Plenary wrap-up sessions.

Main Results:

• Variations exist in processes, procedures, and investigation thresholds across countries, schools, and programs.
• Common themes and points of difference emerged regarding the management of challenging behaviors.
• The need for context-specific responses considering professional, legal, and ethical guidelines was highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Inconsistent hearings and investigations are detrimental to all stakeholders.
• Fairness in processes is crucial for doctors in training, educators, and the public.
• Medical schools and programs must review procedures to ensure safe and professional doctors graduate, safeguarding public trust.