Professionalism: why now, what is it, how do we do something?

Abstract

Background: The subjects of professionalism and medical humanism are of concern to all medical schools in the United States as well as the object of numerous reports and scientific papers.

Method: In this contribution, I discuss the following: Why is this necessary now and at the University of Maryland? What is and is not professionalism? How do we do something about the current situation, specifically in the selection of students, teaching, and evaluation of professionalism; remediation of unprofessional behavior, and rewarding exemplary behavior?

Results and conclusion: I make specific reference to our focus on end-of-life care, pain and palliation, breaking bad news, and death and dying.