Perspectives of faculty and medical students in defining professionalism: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigates the varying perspectives on professionalism amongst faculty and MBBS students in the 1 st and final years at a tertiary care institute in India. Materials and Methods: A total of 170 participants, including 46 faculty members, 77 1 st -year students and 47 final-year students, were assessed for their views on different dimensions of professionalism. Results: The results revealed no significant differences in general opinion on professionalism across groups but notable differences in specific domains. Faculty members scored higher in upholding scientific standards and maintaining ethical patient–physician relationships, while 1 st -year students excelled in self-improvement, compassion and reporting errors. Final-year students emphasised constructive feedback and collaboration. Conclusion: These findings highlight the evolving priorities in professionalism throughout medical education, where faculty consider being more accountable as professionalism. First-year students expressed an inclination towards ‘Altruism’, ‘Excellence’ and practising work ethics with ‘Honour and Integrity’. However, final-year students differed from others as they expressed ‘Accountability’ and ‘Duty’ as the most significant virtues to demonstrate professionalism. A parallel group design of this study in the Indian background shows interesting findings amongst 1 st -year and final-year medical students, along with faculty on their changing perspectives on professionalism with career advancement. There exists a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in this domain of medical curricula; hence, incorporating professionalism explicitly into the medical curriculum, along with mentorship from experienced faculty, can ultimately lead to the development of compassionate, ethical and competent medical professionals.