Dear Aspiring General Practitioners,

Welcome to the essential concept of “Commitment to Professionalism” in the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). This key area tests your ability to handle ethical issues in healthcare responsibly.

Understanding Professionalism in Medicine:

Professionalism in medicine is more than just good behavior. It’s about being a responsible and ethical doctor who patients can trust. It involves making decisions that protect patient safety and maintain the dignity of the medical profession.

Exploring Clinical Scenarios:

Let’s examine a scenario:

• Dr. Alex notices a colleague skipping hand hygiene before seeing a vulnerable patient. Driven by professionalism, Dr. Alex decides to remind the colleague about the importance of infection control to protect the patient.

Addressing Ethical Dilemmas:

Consider another common situation:

• Dr. Emma hears a coworker discussing private patient details in public. Faced with this breach of confidentiality, how should she respond? This scenario tests your ability to handle sensitive information correctly.

Dealing with Mistakes:

Another example:

• Dr. Chris accidentally gives the wrong medication due to a misunderstanding. This mistake challenges him to take responsibility and correct the error, ensuring the patient’s safety and learning from the incident.

Strengthening Your Professional Commitment:

Here are some ways to deepen your understanding of professionalism:

1. Continuous Learning: Keep up-to-date with medical ethics and standards.
2. Seek Mentors: Learn from experienced doctors who exemplify strong professional ethics.
3. Discuss Ethical Challenges: Regularly discuss ethical dilemmas with peers to enhance your understanding and decision-making skills.

Professionalism is at the core of what it means to be a doctor. It’s about making thoughtful, ethical decisions that respect and protect your patients. As you prepare for your SJT, remember that professionalism is not just about passing a test—it’s about committing to uphold the highest standards of medical practice throughout your career.

Embrace this commitment as you step into your role in the medical community, ensuring that your actions always reflect the deep trust patients place in you.