Table 1.

Elements of ACGME's “Professionalism” Core Content2

Maintaining emotional, physical, and mental health and pursuing continual personal and professional growth

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.a

Develop an approach to continuous lifelong learning (i.e., stay current in job requirements).a

Regularly attend conferences and CME activities (i.e., attend required meetings).a

Have a positive response to constructive criticism.a

Demonstrating humanism and cultural proficiency

Treat patients as humans, not subjects.

Treat patients and others respectfully (i.e., interactions with colleagues and clients should be respectful).a

Listen attentively, responding humanely.a

Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.

Exhibit altruism and patient advocacy.

Advocate for the patient's welfare.

Display empathy.a

Demonstrating professional conduct and accountability

Be on time and arrive prepared for work.a

Dress appropriately and maintain good hygiene.a

Continue to see patients throughout the work period (i.e., put in a full day's work).a

Complete medical records thoroughly, honestly, and punctually (i.e., complete work accurately and in a timely manner).a

Consistently advocate for patients and their families.

Give and receive input and advice from colleagues.a

ACGME = Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; CME = continuing medical education.

^aParallels with expectations of all working professionals.