Professionalism in the palliative medicine physician: How ought it best be cultivated?

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. The role of professionalism in regards to becoming a mature palliative medicine physician is explored in this essay. As a professional, the physician will acquire attributes that belong to the domains of both the professional and healer.The doctor as professional and as healer requires the development of an ethical wisdom. In particular consideration of the concept of virtue is shown to be key to being effective in this role. The acquisition of these traits and the honing of the necessary skills may be operationalised through the repeated practice of good habits. This may be learnt and does not depend only on an innate disposition. Experiential learning and the powerful role of exemplars is crucial to this. Self-awareness, a keen understanding of compassion, and situational ethical ease will contribute to both career longevity and satisfaction.