Members of professional organizations are required to self-monitor and to self-correct their behavior. Among physicians, self-regulation is essential for protecting patients, promulgating physician excellence, and promoting an interdisciplinary, collaborative practice. Professionalism is one of the six core competencies required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The ACGME defines professionalism as:
The Joint Commission requires regular review of practice trends that might impact the quality and safety of patient care, such as review of patient complaints and breaches of the professional code of conduct (asamonitor.pub/3RR7ZyL). Most medical societies and organizations, including hospital medical staffs, require members to agree to and uphold written professional standards. In short, medical professionals have an obligation to evaluate their professional conduct and to self-correct when it strays from accepted norms.
Lapses in professional behavior have been variously categorized as disrespectful, inappropriate, disruptive, unprofessional, or behaviors that undermine a culture of safety....
