2 By including a deontologic thread into the fabric of professionalism, it acknowledges that physicians are driven by a sense of duty to their patients, their organization, and their communities. However, as a separate core principle, duty would weave a deontologic thread into the fabric of professionalism.Īccording to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, deontology is “the theory or study of moral obligation.” 1 The root of the word, deon, is Greek, which means “duty,” according to Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. One could argue that duty is already incorporated into the existing core principles of professionalism. I would like to suggest that “duty” be considered as an additional core principle of professionalism. I agree that the core principles of professionalism include excellence, accountability, altruism, humanitarianism, respect for others, honor, and integrity.
Thank you for publishing the commentary “What Does Professionalism Mean to the Physician?” in the Summer 2013 issue of The Permanente Journal.
What does professionalism mean to the physician? Perm J 2013 Summer 17(3):87-90.
Re: Kanter MH, Nguyen M, Klau MH, Spiegel NH, Ambrosini VL.
