PROFESSIONALISM

WHAT IS PROFESSIONALISM?
Professionalism is the competence or skill expected of a professional.
Professionalism is an important component in the practice of pharmacy. Although
the term "professionalism" is widely used, it is not truly understood by everyone.
The white coat has become a symbol to patients and colleagues in health care that
the person wearing it will behave in a professional manner. It is pharmacy students'
first exposure to the concept of professionalism.

When do you become a professional?

We promise to devote ourselves to a lifetime of service to others through the

profession of pharmacy.
We will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering our primary
concerns.
We will apply our knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of our ability
to assure optimal outcomes for our patients.
We will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to
us.
We will accept the lifelong obligation to improve our professional knowledge
and competence.
We will hold ourselves and our colleagues to the highest principles of our
professions moral, ethical and legal conduct.
We will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.
We will utilize our knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the
next generation of pharmacists.
I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with
which I am entrusted by the public

A member of a profession who displays the following 10 traits:

knowledge and skills of a profession

commitment to self-improvement of skills and knowledge
service orientation
pride in the profession
covenantal relationship with the client
creativity and innovation
conscience and trustworthiness
accountability for his/her work
ethically sound decision making
leadership.

Therefore, the essence of professionalism is the ability to display the characteristics

of a professional.

Attitudes & Behaviors that Detract from Professionalism

Complaining
Negative attitude
Non-team player
Uncaring
Indifferent
Self-centered, selfish
Obnoxious
Know-it-all
Disrespectful
Inappropriate clothes

What are some things you will do to show your professionalism on your rotations?

Dress Professionally
o Business casual and White coat
o Groomed fingernails
Attitudes & Behaviors
o Positive attitude
o Respectful
o Rule of thumb:
Address all medical professionals (attendings, preceptors, etc)
and patients, by their title
Dr.
Mr., Mrs., Miss,. Ms.
Use title unless told otherwise
Everyone doctor
Even if okay to use first name, use Dr. _____ in front of
patients
Prepare in advance
o Know rotation topic
Review therapeutics, pharmacology, texts, etc,
Punctual
Be a good listener (active listening)
Take responsibility for your work & actions
o accountability
Take initiative
Be the professional learner
o Continuous process
o If something comes up during the day, write down (small notebook, 3X
5 card), and be sure to look it up and learn the info

Professionalism: With Medical Teams or Other Healthcare Providers

Keep the goal in mindpatient care & optimal therapeutic outcomes

Never let ego get in the way of providing patient care
Keep perspective in mind Preceptors, attendings, residents, med
students, nurses, etc.
Be respectful
Pre-Round
o Know your patients issues
o Know their labs, vitals, meds, etc
Be resourceful
o If dont know, look it up, and get RIGHT BACK to them
o Have a sense of ownership for your team and patients
You are the drug expert
o Be certain of your answers
o Team player
o Proactively identify medication-related ways you can contribute
Pharmacokinetics
ADRs
Drug monitoring (efficacy and toxicity)
Renal and hepatic impairment dosing Interview patients on
meds taken before hospitalization
Example: unusual bruising/bleeding arthritis patient

Professionalism: With Your Patients

Respect
Compassion
Concern for privacy
Empathy
Do not provide
misinformation
Active listening
Remembering
patients perspective
Understanding
Helpful

Professionalism: With Your Peers

Be supportive
Help problem solve Bounce ideas off of each other
Share experiences

Professionalism: With the Community

Community service
Volunteering (serving and helping others)
Free Clinic Attending
Brown bags: churches, civics groups
Health Education events
BP and DM screenings, influenza vaccines, etc
Help local health care organizations
Be the pharmacist