Principles of Medical Professionalism

Book excerpt: "Medical professionalism is more than a demonstration of individual competencies. Becoming a member of the medical profession is not only about passing a set of milestones, but also about embodying the values, behaviors, and identity of a physician through a process of professional identity formation. The major frameworks for medical professionalism, the process of professionalization, and the importance of socialization in medicine are discussed. The reader is encouraged to reflect on who they are and who they want to become. Physicians have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their patients and embrace life-long learning"--