Professionalism, Career-Long Assessment, and the American Board of Medical Specialties' Maintenance of Certification: An introduction to This Special Supplement

摘要

Professions, including those professions served by this journal, have certain characteristics in common.1 Members of a profession have special knowledge and skills that other members of the community at large do not have, and they are called upon to use that knowledge and skills in situations of uncertainty. The community has often made substantial investments to assist the individual professional to develop this expertise; government support of health professions education and patients allowing student involvement in their care are two examples. Members of the profession commit to use their special knowledge and skills to serve the best interest of the patients, families, and communities for whom they care. This commitment is a key element in most health professions' curricula, and the public professing of this commitment is an important element of transitional events including white coat ceremonies and graduation. Members of a profession, through the development of oversight bodies, take responsibility for the quality of practice and education in the unique knowledge and skills of the profession.