Unpacking ‘professionalism’
What does professionalism mean?
The first step in showing up in a way that supports the wellbeing of ourselves, our colleagues and our profession, is understanding what professionalism means.
What kind of behaviour is considered ‘professional’? There are several places to go to answer this question.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA)’s Code of Ethics and Professionalism, outline the standards of professional behaviour for physicians. The code has been endorsed by all provinces and territories. No matter where physicians live in Canada, they will be held to these standards. (CMA Code of Ethics and Professionalism).
Most workplaces also have a Respectful Workplace Policy, with growing recognition of workplace safety to include physical, cultural and psychological safety.
"Professionalism can be defined as any behaviours that support trustworthy relationships."
Jo Shapiro, MD, FACS
Why does professionalism matter?
Professionalism is how physicians show up—for their patients, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. It’s more than a set of rules or expectations; it’s a shared commitment to integrity, compassion, and excellence in care. In every interaction, whether with a patient in distress or a teammate under pressure, professionalism shapes the culture of medicine and reinforces the trust that underpins the entire healthcare system. It’s how physicians support one another, navigate complexity, and uphold the values that make healing possible.
The following dimensions illustrate how professionalism supports trust, safety, accountability, and equity across the healthcare system.
1. Trust and the Patient-Physician Relationship
Professionalism builds trust, which is essential in the fiduciary relationship between patients and physicians. Patients rely on physicians to act in their best interest, maintain confidentiality, and provide competent, compassionate care.
2. Quality and Safety of Care
Professionalism ensures physicians:
- Adhere to clinical standards
- Continuously improve their skills
Respond to patients’ emotional and clinical needs. This leads to better patient outcomes and safer healthcare environments.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration
Professionalism fosters respectful collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and other health professionals. This improves team-based care and workplace culture.
4. Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Safety
Modern professionalism includes cultural humility, equity, and anti-racism. Physicians are expected to provide care that is inclusive and respectful of diverse populations, contributing to safer and more equitable healthcare.
5. Role Modelling and Education
Professionalism is critical in medical education. Physicians serve as role models for trainees, shaping future generations of doctors.
6. Ethical and Legal Accountability
Physicians are expected to:
- Uphold ethical standards
- Avoid conflicts of interest
Respect boundaries and privacy This protects both patients and the profession from misconduct and legal issues.
7. Self-Regulation and Public Confidence
Canadian society grants physicians the privilege of self-regulation. Professionalism is the basis for this trust, allowing physicians to govern themselves through colleges and associations (e.g., CPSPEI, CMPA).
A Call to Action
The 2025 CMA National Physician Health Survey found that physicians in PEI experience a high incidence of bullying, harassment and micro-aggression, with the main source of this behaviour being from physician colleagues.
81% of PEI respondents (74% nationally) report experiencing bullying, harassment, microaggressions and/or discrimination at some point on the job. The most common source: physician colleague 64%.
How MSPEI is Supporting Members
- Physicians can speak to a peer who has ‘been there’ by accessing our Peer-to-Peer Program
- Physicians can access the Physician Health Program for support with distress they are experiencing
- They can connect with one of the coaches in MSPEI’s Coaching Program, with specialized skills in coaching through conflict and concerns
- Members can access MSPEI’s growing repository of learning assets to connect with national and international thought leaders, and emerging best practice in physician professionalism
- MSPEI has dedicated roles on the team to support this work
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support and to help shape the programs that serve you.
Contact: MSPEI Director of Physician Wellness and Professionalism, Jodi Ploquin.