Medicine as a profession.
Over half a century ago, a Canadian judge defined a profession in a way that resonates still today, not only for lawyers and doctors, but for the current wide variety of professions and professionals. This article is a reflection on this definition. It briefly considers the historical context within which the knowledge base that characterises a profession evolved and what the various component parts of the judge's definition entail. A final consideration goes beyond the terms of the definition proposed--that of our ethical responsibility as professionals to stand up and be counted and, in the context of the disorder around us, to speak out.
Funder
John W
JW
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. John.Funder@princehenrys.org
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010820:Physicians / Q000941:ethics*