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The Three Cs Of Professionalism In The Medical Profession

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According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (2017), professionalism is “the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected to do a job well.” Medical professionals must possess occupational competence, ethical excellence, and exemplary patient relations. Occupational competence encompasses more than just job knowledge. While being technically competent to perform all necessary job functions is vital, a commitment to continually improve is essential. With the rate of technological advancements in the medical profession, continued education is required to stay abreast of changes. Self-reflection is also important to know when and where personal improvement is needed. High ethical standards, including honesty, integrity, accountability, …show more content…

No matter what the profession (healthcare, teacher, blue collar worker), certain values are innate in professionalism. To me, professionalism involves the Three Cs: Competence, Character, and Chemistry. I believe strongly that everything you do should be done to the best of your ability, your character cannot be separated from integrity, how you treat others defines your character, and everyone deserves to be treated with …show more content…

I have always been a Type A perfectionist who made calculated decisions after thorough planning. While I was prepared for the educational requirements of the program, I was shocked at how challenging it would be. You see, everything I ever did or wanted for as long as I can remember has always come easy to me. Anything I tried, I did, and I was good at it. I say this not to be prideful; it was just my life. That is, until clinicals! It was a rude awakening and a slap in my face when the practice of radiation therapy did not come as easy to me as I thought it would. I was expecting to walk into clinic and pick it up like everything else I’ve ever tried, and that was not the case. My stress level escalated and I cracked under the pressure. To quote a great friend: “It’s easy to look outward and judge others, but it takes humility to look inward and admit ones’ faults”. Professionalism means looking in the mirror and taking honest stock with what you see. I quickly realized that my fear of not being perfect and consequential fear of failure was destroying my dream of becoming a radiation therapist. This revelation helped me to appreciate that asking for help is a not a sign of weakness, but one of growth. This last year has been, without a doubt, the most difficult year of my life. It has also been the most rewarding! I still worry everyday when I step into clinic that I will make mistakes, but I

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