Medical Professionalism in a Time of the Covid 19 Pandemic and Beyond

Abstract

The Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic disrupts our medical world. There are substantial demands on our overstretched, understaffed, and under-resourced health systems. Physicians continuously adjust to “crisis standard of care” and new skills for on-line or face to face restricted practice. Physician health and well-being suffer stress, burn-out and moral injury. Many get sick and some die. They ask: “How should I behave as a medical professional in a time of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond?” This article explores medical professionalism: its meaning, its core values and challenges in the time of Covid-19. Its aim is to help doctors and medical students improve their professionalism, and mature into more dedicated physicians who derive joy and pride in what they do.