Professionalism in medical undergraduates

Background
The concept of medical professionalism is becoming increasingly important. As part of a project leading to a Medical Science (Hons) degree I looked at how medical professionalism was developed in an undergraduate medical curriculum. This involved identifying tools used to promote professionalism at the University of St Andrews; these included reflective e-portfolio, yellow card system, undergraduate agreement, 360 degree appraisal and staff role models. I then set out to assess if these tools were effective in raising undergraduate awareness of professionalism and in modifying behaviour.

Summary of work
An extensive literature review was performed. A questionnaire was developed and medical students (years 1-3) were asked to respond to statements using a five point Likert scale.

Summary of results

Conclusions
Results and conclusions will be available by April 2009.

Take-home message
Medical professionalism can and must be developed in undergraduates. Since assessment drives learning I propose that a more formal assessment of professional behaviour at undergraduate level would raise standards. I await the results of my questionnaire to discover if my peers concur.