The concept and challenges of medical professionalism

Authors

• Marzieh Lashkari ¹
• Amin Beigzadeh ²

¹ MSc of Health Services Management, Research Center for Health Services Management, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

² PhD Candidate of Medical Education, Research Center for Health Services Management, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

We argue that the field of medicine ought to think over the definition of medical professionalism and the challenges that doctors face in everyday practice. Although there are a diversity of definitions revolving around medical professionalism, but the most recent and revalidated definition should be taken into account. In addition, we highlight four barriers threatening professionalism: 1) doctors’ of self-interest; 2) doctors’ temptation to deviate from the standards of medicine; 3) market incentives (financial conflicts of interest); and 4) peer pressures. We conclude with suggestions for remedies to overcome these threats, e.g. selection criteria of medical students, and stringent rules and guidelines.

Keywords

• Professionalism
• Concept
• Challenges

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