Definitions of Professionalism

“At the root of professionalism is our profession. A profession requires acquisition and application of a body of knowledge and technical skills. The individuals in a profession are bound together by a shared commitment. Members of a profession regulate themselves…. Those in a profession practice in accord with a code of ethics …[and] ha[ve] a contract with society.” (Kirk, 2007)

‘Professional responsibilities include respect, compassion, and integrity; responsiveness to the needs of patients and society superseding self-interest; accountability to patients, society, and the profession; and commitment to ethical principles; commitment to excellence and on-going professional development; and sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, age, gender, and disabilities’ (paraphrased from: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, 1999).  The core values of the physical therapy profession include:  accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, social responsibility (https://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/About_Us/Policies/BOD/Judicial/ProfessionalisminPT.pdf).

Finally, sensitivity to and respect for individual and cultural differences enables us to work effectively in cross-cultural situations respecting “language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. Professionalism requires we provide services responsive to, and respectful of, the history, traditions and cultural values of the different ethnic groups in our society.” http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/0/15f5c5045e7a1dd4cc256b6b0002b038

"Physical therapists consistently demonstrate core values by aspiring to and wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication and accountability, and by working together with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities." (Stern DT. Measuring Medical Professionalism. Oxford University Press. New York, NY, 2006:19.) http://www.apta.org/Professionalism/

Professionalism must become a habit of mind and action. This habit must be learned, practiced, and refined throughout your professional development.