Professionalism among Family Medicine Residents in Al Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia

This was an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study conducted among the medical students at UB. Background: Professionalism is the core to sustaining trust between a healthcare provider and the community. Family medicine has an important role in health promotion, prevention and is the first line care which provides service to all age groups; this cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude among family medicine residents in Al Madinah region. Methods: A structured self-administered web-based questionnaire was adapted from CanMEDs use to assess professionalism. The questionnaire contained five domains: demographics, commitment to patients, commitment to society, commitment to the profession, and commitment to self. 119 out of 161 residents at family medicine training centres in Al Madinah responded by completing the questionnaire, giving 74% response rate. There was 49% male and 51% female participants; most (47%) graduated from Taibah University, followed by 18% from Umm Al-Qura University. Results: findings of commitment towards patients indicated that 75% of participants often or always exhibited appropriate professional behaviour and relationships in all aspects of practice. More than 80% of participants often or always demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of practice. More than half (58%) of participants often or always recognised and managed conflicts of interest. Findings of commitment toward society showed that more than half (59%) of participants often or always demonstrated accountability to patients, society and the profession by responding to societal expectations of physicians always or often. Findings of commitment revealed that 68% of participants often or always fulfilled and adhered to the professional and ethical codes, standards of practice, and laws governing practice. Findings of commitment to oneself showed that 60% of residents often or always exhibited self-awareness and managed influences on personal well-being and professional performance. About two-thirds (65%) often or always managed personal and professional demands for a sustainable practice.