PROFFESIONALISM: What makes someone a professional? o Status, Spirit, Practice, Decree Six elements of a Profession: 1.

1. Philosophy: Professions have their own philosophy, which must be articulated in both written and oral form (i.e. Beneficence vs. Non- maleficence) 2. Body of Knowledge: Professions must have a body of professional literature of research, study and comment. (i.e. journal of AAPA) 3. Leaders or Philosophers: Professions have, both historically and currently, been those who write about and research the profession. Leaders can be writers, doers, role models and those who are active in service. 4. Guidelines for Behavior: Professions have codes, guidelines, creeds, oaths, commitment statements, belief statements -- such as statements on ethics and professionalism. 5. Admission Requirements: Professionals in many professions are licensed, certified, and have specific initial and advanced education, as well as requirements for ongoing education. In addition, many professions require both initial and ongoing testing for admission and maintaining membership. 6. Opportunities for Professional Development: Many professions require support and/or professional development opportunities outside the work environment such as associations or professional organizations. The Original Professions o Letters, Medicine, Law, Holy Orders, Profession of Arms Professionalism: is exhibited by having professional character, spirit, or method and may represent professional standing, practice, or methods that distinguish the professional from the amateur. It is the basis of the medicines contract with society. It is the expression of positive values and ideals as care is delivered. Healthcare: 3 primary principles of medical professionalism 1. Primacy of patient welfare 2. Respect for patient autonomy 3. Action for social justice A Physician Charter: o Professionalism o Placing interests of patients above those of the physician o Setting and maintaining standards of and for conduct o Providing expert advice to society Medical Professionalism entails: o Professional competence, Honesty with patients, Patient confidentiality, Maintaining appropriate relations with patients, Improving quality of care, Improving access to care, a just distribution of finite resources, scientific knowledge, maintaining trust by managing conflicts of interest, accepting professional responsibilities Challenges to Healthcare Professionalism: o Technology, Changing market forces, Bioterrorism, Globalization, Healthcare reform Recommendations for students:

Take an active part in the learning process. Become informed about the importance of professionalism. Develop your own plan of action for professional development. Accept responsibility for your own professional development. Competencies for the PA profession: o Professionalism calls for prioritizing the interests of those being served above ones own o PAs must know their professional and personal limitations o PAs must practice without impairment o PAs must demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession- PAs are expected to act legally and morally. (Guidelines below are the same ones from the article that the quiz was over) o Guidelines are based on the 4 main ethical principles: Patient autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, and Justice. o Physician assistants hold as their primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of all human beings. o Physician assistants uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. o Physician assistants recognize and promote the value of diversity. o Physician assistants treat equally all persons who seek their care. o Physician assistants hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine. o Physician assistants assess their personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve their medical practice. o Physician assistants actively seek to expand their knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine. o Physician assistants work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients. o Physician assistants use their knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community. o Physician assistants respect their professional relationship with physicians. o Physician assistants share and expand knowledge within the profession.