WIP 45 - Examining the Weaponization of Professionalism in Medicine

Publication Number: WIP 45.7359

Julia M. Morales, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Victoria Mitre, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Stacey R. Rose, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Kelley Arredondo, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Ellen M. Friedman, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States

Background: Although frameworks like the American Board of Pediatrics' Teaching, Promoting, and Assessing Professionalism Across the Continuum emphasize professionalism's importance, no consensus has established its definition or assessment. Without a universal definition, the norms of historically dominant groups have been interpreted as the definition of professionalism. Recent literature shows the troubling finding that trainees’ and faculty’s perceptions of professionalism often vary significantly. Therefore, while professionalism has historically been viewed as a positive and aspirational goal for physicians, there is growing evidence that some current learners view it less favorably.

The “weaponization of professionalism” refers to the perception that specific standards defined by dominant groups are used to enforce compliance or conformity with those norms, suppressing diverse perspectives. When biases cloud one’s interpretation of professionalism, expectations may overlook, discount, or underappreciate the experiences of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups. Such perceptions can undermine educational efforts to promote professionalism, as learners may feel that the current definitions are neither positive, inclusive, nor supportive of authentic self-representation.

Objective: This study will explore how medical students define professionalism in medicine and their experiences with its implementation and/or "weaponization.”

Design/Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey (IRB H-53109) is currently being distributed to participants asking about their understanding of professionalism and any experiences with its “weaponization.” This multimodal survey utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to explore views of professionalism and its "weaponization." Data collection will conclude by December 2024; subsequent statistical and thematic analysis will examine perceptions of professionalism and its "weaponization." Analysis and synthesis of findings will be completed by early spring 2025.