Professionalism is fundamental: Discipline in professional degree programs

Abstract

Healthcare professional schools regularly assess students based on demonstrated professionalism, as defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, including “respect, compassion, and integrity; a responsiveness to the needs of the patient and society that supersedes self-interest; accountability” and “a commitment to ethical principles” (bit.ly/4iV8LrU). Similar requirements are common in other health care professional schools from nursing to physical therapy and have also increasingly been adopted by law schools. When students demonstrate continuing unprofessional behavior, professional schools may dismiss them from their programs.