Medical professionalism at RCSI

Medical professionalism relates to forming values, behaviours and attitudes that promote professional relationships, promote public trust and enhance patient safety.

Our work in the Centre for Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI focuses on medical professionalism and personal and professional identity formation.

As per the RCSI model of professionalism, it incorporates integrity, altruism, advocacy, self-care, compassion, evidence-based and reflective practice, cultural sensitivity, compassion, ethical practice and effective communication. These characteristics, which underpin the science and practice of medicine, form the basis of a social contract between the medical profession and society.

The Centre for Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences is led by Professor Denis Harkin, who as Department Chair holds the only such post in an Irish medical university.