Professionalism--connecting the past and the present and a blueprint for the Canadian Association of General Surgeons.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims and qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.” Within the context of the physician professional, there is a serious but largely unwritten understanding, both within the profession and among the public at large, that physicians must hold themselves up to high ethical and clinical standards. In essence, the basics of professionalism are quite easy to articulate. In return for professional autonomy, self-regulation and a recognition of their unique place in society, the public demands of physicians accountability, ethical standards and an altruistic manner of delivering care. Altruism, or the putting of the interest of patients and society consistently ahead of one’s own, is the bedrock of professionalism for the physician and has been recognized as a key, unifying concept by several professional bodies. Altruism has also been defined as going “above and beyond” one’s call of duty.