Resculpting Professionalism for Equity and Accountability

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Sociology of Medicine
• Health Equity

Background:

• Medical professionalism standards often reflect racialized and gendered norms.
• Vague definitions of professionalism can exclude marginalized trainees.
• Current standards police belonging within the medical field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how professionalism standards in medical education perpetuate bias.
• To propose a revised framework for professionalism that is inclusive.
• To strengthen the medical workforce and improve care for underserved patients.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of existing literature on medical professionalism.
• Examination of implicit biases in medical education.
• Conceptual framework development for inclusive professionalism.

Main Results:

• "Professionalism" definitions often center White, cisgender, straight, and able-bodied standards.
• Marginalized trainees are pressured to suppress aspects of their identity.
• Existing frameworks limit belonging and perpetuate inequities.

Conclusions:

• Resculpting professionalism is necessary to center marginalized patients and trainees.
• An inclusive approach will enhance the diverse medical workforce.
• This shift is crucial for addressing the needs of all patients, particularly those excluded from quality care.