Foundation doctors' views of medical professionalism

The views of Foundation Years 1 and 2 doctors on medical professionalism were investigated using focus groups, in respect of definitions and components, teaching, learning and assessment. They were able to define and identify the components of medical professionalism, as well as components that could be taught. They felt medical professionalism was poorly taught and assessed. They recognised the dangers the online environment posed to medical professionalism but felt public expectations for doctors could at times be unrealistic. The profile, teaching and assessment of medical professionalism need to be improved. This can be achieved by teaching and assessing it as a standalone entity rather that within medical ethics as it is currently taught, and raising its profile to that of academic subjects.