Responsibility as a meta-virtue: truth-telling, deliberation and wisdom in medical professionalism

Abstract

The article examines the new discourse on medical professionalism and responsibility through the prism of conflicts among moral values, especially with regard to truth-telling. The discussion is anchored in the renaissance of English-language writing on medical ethics in the 18(th) century, which paralleled the rise of humanitarianism and the advent of the word "responsibility". Following an analysis of the meanings of the value of responsibility in general and in medical practice in particular, it is argued that, similarly to the Aristotelian notion of equity, responsibility of care is a second-order value, which corrects virtues, laws and norms in exceptional circumstances. Virtues and practices of the second order, such as responsibility and deliberation, bear especially on professional doctoring, which includes a commitment to give priority to the good of the patient over one's own good. It is argued that, in situations of conflict, and particularly conflicts between personal moral identity and the good of patients, the fundamental professional commitment is to critical and rational deliberation and to the cultivation of psycho-moral flexibility. This leads indirectly to moral growth and strengthening of professional character.

Virtue and care ethics & humanism in medical education: a scoping review

“…As there is an educational requirement for professionalism, cultivating appropriate virtue and care ethics promote patient care [ 16 ]. One paper cites “professional responsibility” as a virtue, playing a central role in the development of medical professionalism [ 10 ]. Compassionate care and professional identity that is respectful of patients promotes humanism, which is vital to the professionalism enterprise [ 14 ].…”

Virtue and Care Ethics & Humanism in Medical Education: A Scoping Review

“…As there is an educational requirement for professionalism, cultivating appropriate virtue and care ethics promotes patient care . One paper cites "professional responsibility" as a virtue, playing a central role in the development of medical professionalism (Barilan, 2009). Compassionate care and professional identity that is respectful of patients promotes humanism, which is vital to the professionalism enterprise (Coulehan, 2005).…”

Person-centred care: Bridging current models of the clinician-patient relationship

“…Those interests of clinicians might include how to manage their own emotions and moral problems, which can arise in caring for patients and themselves [17]. In contrast to Zaner [18], I doubt that such interests are sufficiently visible in the primary relationship of clinicians and patients and I disagree that the interests of clinicians are subordinate to, or independent of, patients' interests [19]. Altruism that devalues the interests of clinicians, disrespects patients and clinicians since the interests of both parties are interdependent.…”