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front cover of Doctors in society - Medical professionalism in a changing worldDoctors in society - Medical professionalism in a changing world

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Comments on ‘Doctors in Society’ from other medical organisations

Professor Sir Graeme Catto, GMC President, said:

“This is an important contribution to the debate about the meaning of modern professionalism.  There can be little doubt that the professionalism of individual doctors provides the foundation for effective regulation – based upon their commitment to a common set of ethics, values and principles, which puts patients first.”

Professor Sir Alan Craft, Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said:

"This report contains an important reminder of the professional values which have driven medical practice over the past century.  Professionalism needs to be seen in the context of a changing society and its expectations.  The report should reassure patients that they are at the heart of modern day medical practice and that care will be delivered to the highest standards of professionalism."

Sir Nigel Crisp, Chief Executive of the NHS, said:

“Medical professionalism goes wider than treating patients effectively, it consists of building and maintaining relationships, trust, understanding, honesty, confidentiality and in fact humanity.  Improving and supporting the doctor/manager relationship and strengthening clinical leadership are key areas where the NHS can be instrumental.  I think it very important that we get more doctors into management positions as a way of exercising professional influence.”

Professor David Gordon, Chair of The Council of Heads of Medical Schools (CHMS), said:

"CHMS welcomes the opportunity to engage with the medical professionalism review.  The report rightly sets professionalism at the heart of being a good doctor.  CHMS particularly welcomes the recommendations to strengthen clinical leadership.  Medical Schools firmly believe that good leadership is fundamental to the role of each and every doctor and that all doctors should demonstrate the potential to act as leaders when required.  CHMS will be pleased to work with the Royal College of Physicians and others to develop a cadre of clinical leaders and strongly believes that this will be of significant benefit to the profession as a whole and, most importantly, to patients.

Mr James Johnson, BMA Chairman said:

"This is a valuable contribution to the modern practice of medicine in a changing environment and makes important recommendations on the development of clinical leadership, on evaluating doctors performance and development, and on creating career pathways for doctors which best meet the needs of patients. I would strongly commend it to doctors and patients."

Dame Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation and a member of the Royal College of Physicians working party, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Royal College of Physicians’ report which is a valuable contribution to what we hope will be an ongoing debate about key issues facing the medical profession and the NHS.

“The major improvements in patient care that we are all striving to deliver will only be possible if there is a true partnership between doctors, other clinical staff and managers.

“That partnership requires both clinical leadership by doctors and clinical engagement by managers because the current ambitious programme of NHS reforms can only be delivered if we work together to achieve goals that we are all committed to.”

Mr Bernard Ribeiro, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“The medical profession faces many challenges in the future as we move from a society which accepted the views of doctors as gospel, to one which is encourage by government to embrace managerialism to direct the work of the profession.

“As a profession the focus of our attention must always be the patient.  We must learn to subsume our personal interests and those of the fellows and members we represent in the interests of our patients.  We must listen to the views of our trainees – many of whom have expressed frustration in the leadership of the profession – to ensure that the next generation can rekindle the vocation which encouraged us to pursue a career in medicine.

“The Royal College of Surgeons supports the initiative by the Royal College of Physicians to redefine the role of medical professionalism in modern society.”

 

This page last updated on December 8, 2005