Your heart is pounding as you stare at the door in front of you. You rapidly run through a mental checklist - introduce self, hand sanitize, confirm patient’s identifying information… then you knock on the door and enter to see your patient. Of course, this is just a simulated visit, and the mental checklist is a reflection of the rubric you’re being assessed with. While we typically have every part of the rubric memorized, students often ignore a crucial part - professionalism. We tend to assume we will always be perceived professionally, simply by our attendance. However, professionalism is more than just a checkbox on a rubric - it’s a core attribute of every great clinician and forms the backbone of how we communicate and care for our patients. The behaviors and attitude we develop now, during training, will directly influence future habits and ultimately, the trust patients place in us as their provider.
The easiest way to demonstrate professionalism early is by being reliable. Show up on time, be prepared for what the day has to offer, meet deadlines, and honor your commitments. It’s much easier said than done, but these habits signal your commitment to patient safety and teamwork. When you’re dependable, others trust you and take your word as truth - which is extremely vital in both the classroom and the clinic. The way you communicate also massively affects how you are perceived as a professional. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication; not only are being respectful, using empathetic language, and active listening important, but also dressing the part and carrying yourself with confidence impacts how patients perceive you as a professional. In a 2022 study conducted by Roehrens et. al, they measured how an interprofessional medical team dressed in various attire were perceived by patients. Ultimately, they noted a “significant influence of different clothing on the perception of sympathy, competence, trust, elective practice, and team participation” (Roehrens et. al, 2022). So yes, looks do matter to an extent! This is something I wish I knew before starting school, as I would have spent more of my summer shopping for at least 3-4 business professional outfits, as well as casual outfits that are still worthy of presentation to my future employers (after all, you never know who you may encounter at school who may actually be your future employer). And contrary to popular belief, it is possible to dress both stylish and professionally! When times get tough, maintaining a level of professionalism requires a conscious effort. Stress is inevitable in grad school, but how you manage it speaks volumes. Being a professional includes taking care of your mental and physical health, so that you are able to confidently care for others. Using healthy coping strategies, maintaining well-defined boundaries, and knowing when to reach out for support are foundational in demonstrating resilience and composure as a medical professional.
Finally, professionalism is about embracing the journey of lifelong learning. We will never know everything there is to know about medicine. Acknowledging this truth, seeking feedback, admitting gaps in knowledge, and constantly striving to improve show confidence and maturity. Professionalism isn’t just about looking the part - it’s about becoming a provider that patients will trust. It requires reliability, empathy, and a commitment to continuous growth. By embodying these traits now, you’re laying the foundation for successful and meaningful relationships with your team and your future patients.
Roehrens, H. J., Ehlers, J. P., & Zupanic, M. (2022). Clothes Make the Man-What Impact Does the Dress of Interprofessional Teams Have on Patients?. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 10(10), 2109. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102109