The 21st-century doctor

What did we do in this project?

To engage medical students in the issues around medical professionalism in today's health service, we ran a series of roadshows around the country. The events were held in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians, General Medical Council, NHS Institute, University of Liverpool and the Student BMJ.

Events included a small group discussion, followed by a question time session with the panel, to allow participants a chance to exchange views with representatives from the partner organisations.The findings from these events were reported on in 2008 in a joint publication:

Understanding Doctors: harnessing professionalism

To raise the issue of professionalism among the doctors of the future, we are working in partnership with the RCP, General Medical Council, the NHS Institute, the Centre for Excellence in Developing Professionalism, University of Liverpool, and the Student BMJ.

Together we hosted a series of events in medical schools around the country for medical students to debate, discuss and question the experts. The following document reports on the quality and insight of the next generation of young doctors:

The 21st century doctor: understanding the doctors of tomorrow

Related publications

Why are we interested in this piece of work?

Acquiring and ensuring a professional approach is a key part of becoming a doctor. But how can doctors define and adopt this professional attitude and ensure that it is kept up to date in the same way as their clinical skills? And how should professionalism adapt and change to reflect changing social values and attitudes?

Project team

The partner organisations and their representatives are:

  • Chris Ham, Chief Executive, The King's Fund
  • John Clark, Director of Medical Leadership and International Relations, NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement
  • Helen O'Sullivan, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Developing Professionalism, Liverpool University
  • James Mckillop, Chair of the Undergraduate Board, General Medical Council
  • Ian Gilmore, President, Royal College of Physicians
  • Fiona Godlee, Editor in Chief, British Medical Journal

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