Professionalism?

     A profession has been defined as "a collection of expert service providers who have jointly and publicly committed to always give priority to the existential needs and interests of the public they serve above their own, and who in turn are trusted by the public to do so."

     Welie JVM. Is dentistry a profession? Part 1. Professionalism defined. J Can Dent Assoc 2004; 70(8): 529-32.

     Some medical educators have argued that the altruism implied above is unrealistic. Furthermore, health care professionals commonly exhibit avoidance behavior towards existential issues, during training, clinical practice, and not surprisingly, in their private lives.

     Not just health-care professionals, but ALL members of a civilized society must aspire to steadily work towards the ideals of a profession as defined above. Altruism is NOT too much to ask. Every single one of us is RESPONSIBLE for having a lasting positive impact on all of our lives. To embody these basic essential virtues, we all need to grow into FULLY MATURE human beings - a big part of which is approaching (rather than avoiding) existential issues in a healthy manner.

     Should we expect any lower standards of caring from the corner mechanic fixing a school bus' brakes - or a laborer in a third world country assembling smoke detectors - or a dishwasher in a restaurant? Our life, safety and well-being is literally in each others' hands. But our evolution in consciousness is firmly in our own hands.

     "To those whom much is given, much is expected."          John F. Kennedy

     Let us never forget how much society has given and continues to give us health-care professionals, and how much is RIGHTLY expected of us. We owe it to ourselves - and everyone else - to intentionally progressively grow towards the mature human beings we are meant to be.

James Hollis PhD excellent interview (27min)