Physicians´ professionality during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of narratives circulating in the public sphere

Introduction: The management of the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges for physicians due to the complexity of the situation. Objective: To understand medical professionalism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Portugal, as well as its relationship with identity and recognition, based on physicians’ narratives disseminated in the public sphere, during a period in which professionals faced unprecedented extreme situations. Methods: Drawing on qualitative research, a survey of physicians’ narratives published in widely circulated newspapers was conducted, in which they present testimonies of their experiences, concerns, priorities, and professional responsibilities during the period of the two lockdowns. A thematic content analysis of these texts was carried out. Results: Physicians’ narratives, focused on the experience of the pandemic, particularly its challenges and controversies, make it possible to identify structuring dimensions of their professionalism, such as mission, professional competence, ethics and deontology, social responsibility, working conditions, recognition, as well as emotions and challenges. These dimensions of medical professionalism are linked to the construction of professional identity. Conclusion: It is concluded that, during the pandemic, frontline physicians were confronted with unprecedented extreme situations in their professional lives, which generated multiple challenges, but which they sought to manage with professionalism. The discourse they share in the public sphere, at a moment of crisis, constitutes a shared asset that shapes medical professionalism and professional identity.