It can be difficult to get along with everyone you work alongside. However, that does not give us an excuse to be unprofessional with others. Dr. Ledrick moderated an interactive session during our weekly didactics (#EMConf) about professionalism. Here are his notes from that presentation:
Why do we need this lecture?
We actually did this lecture a few years ago, because the interns were a bunch of spoiled millennials who wanted to be spoon-fed everything and had a really low pain tolerance
Having a strong work ethic is part of professionalism, but it is only a part
The most common reason for disciplinary action in medicine is due to professionalism concerns, not malpractice or QA issues
Seriously, why though?
You can’t rely on people acting professionally on instinct alone
There is no way we can cover this topic in 40 minutes
A lecture is probably the worst way to teach this - No way to cover every situation - Professionalism/professional behavior guides/informs approach in unfamiliar situations - It takes years to feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations - It takes experience (and mistakes) to become an "expert"
This lecture is intended to get you to think about professionalism not describe a dress code, tattoo policy, or how not to be an ass-hat to your colleagues. If the whole world is pissing you off find a mirror and take a good hard look.
You are all basically a bunch of millennials
Educated
Diverse
Tech savvy
Goal oriented
Family/self centered
High expectations of self/others
Team oriented
Attention seeking
Parents still pay for your cell phones
Context matters
What is considered professional may be different depending on the observer
Ethical dilemmas arise when two different value systems interact
Actions have consequences
Attitude influences behaviors, behavior influences attitude
Appearance can set expectations (clothes/body language do matter)
Possible Definitions of Professional
Have specialized knowledge
Is competent/reliable
Doesn’t make excuses
Demonstrate honesty/integrity
Is accountable - Takes responsibility for task completion
Self regulatory - Assess and modify their own behavior
Is experienced - Has shown ability to work in the environment
Attributes of professionals
Knowing - Understands knowledge - Applies knowledge
Doing - Skill development
Helping - Being there, exercise judgement, make a difference
Life-long learners - Stays current in knowledge and skills - Cutting edge – able to solve tomorrow’s problems
Questions for Reflection
What are three things that other physicians do that irritate you? How can that be changed?
What would you consider to be three characteristics of a professional?