g the element of professionalism can
occur in almost infinite possible ways. Some common denominators for
• Abuse of authority with subordinates
• Poor handling of confidential information
• Conflict of interest
• Inappropriate use of resources
• Scientific - investigation fraud
(Roberts, 2001)
Much of the literature about physician professionalism originates
within Internal Medicine. The American Board of Internal Medicine has a
long history of interest in the teaching and measurement of professionalism
and is at least five years into a major education effort, entitled:
Professionalism', and most recently released a physician charter for
professionalism (Burns et al., 2000).
Anesthesiology has also recognized the vital importance of
professionalism. The American Board of Anesthesiology recognizes the role
of behavior in evaluating residents. Gradually, the role of the acquired
characteristics' has increased in importance, and in the present, any
resident rated unsatisfactory for acquired characteristics, must be rated
unsatisfactory overall (Frankford et al., 1998).
Even though we clearly place a high value on professionalism in
Anesthesiology, it is not often objectively defined. As always, the
extremes are easily identified - the model resident is a "poster child" and
the difficult resident is often most defined by unprofessional behavior
(Burns et al., 2000). To objectify professionalism in anesthesiology, it is
useful to define professionalism in the primary settings where
anesthesiologists interact. These include the interface with patients,
surgeons, colleagues and members of the support team.
Professionalism in the Interaction with Patients
In distinction to the internist who has a long-term relations...