Professionalism in (vascular) surgery: What does it mean?

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Surgical Professionalism
• Physician Conduct

Background:

• A retracted 2020 study on vascular surgeons' social media use sparked debate on medical professionalism.
• Existing definitions of professionalism are varied and lack universal acceptance, hindering objective evaluation.
• This highlights a need to re-evaluate medical professionalism to ensure it is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of a standardized definition of professionalism in medicine.
• To propose a universally applicable and inclusive framework for defining medical professionalism.
• To establish a foundational definition of professionalism centered on respect.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing literature and guidelines on medical professionalism.
• Development of a tiered approach to defining professionalism.
• Proposal of actionable steps at individual, organizational, and societal levels.

Main Results:

• The term "professionalism" lacks a single, agreed-upon definition across medical specialties and organizations.
• A core principle of respect underlies most existing definitions of medical professionalism.
• A proposed tiered framework emphasizes respect and inclusivity.

Conclusions:

• A simplified, universally accepted definition of medical professionalism is needed.
• Professionalism should be defined by core principles of respect and inclusivity, applicable across all medical fields.
• A tiered approach (individual, organizational, societal) provides actionable steps for physicians to embody professionalism.