Professional conduct and misconduct

Standards of conduct in any profession reflect the shared values of that profession and define behaviors by its members that are considered either mandatory or proscribed. This chapter will provide an overview of several of the primary aspects of professional conduct and misconduct by physicians, with an emphasis on the neurologist where appropriate. It will start with an overview of the foundations of the physician-patient relationship, then cover topics including initiation of the physician-patient relationship, communication, therapeutic privilege, disclosure of medical errors, empathy and professional boundaries, barriers to care and termination of the physician-patient relationship, conflicts of interest, self-care, deception of third parties, reporting impaired colleagues, and expert testimony.