The Practice Guide
The Practice Guide : Medical Professionalism and College Policies , articulates our profession ’ s values – compassion , service , altruism , and trustworthiness – which provide the foundation for the practice of medicine .
But the Practice Guide is much more than a blanket statement of positive values . It will assist you in determining your specific duties and explains the reasons for those duties . And because College policies are built right into the framework , it becomes clear how policies are grounded in the values and principles of practice . The format of the guide allows the values , principles and policies to flow into each other , providing both relevance and resonance .
Medical professionalism is the translation of these values into practice and underpins the social contract between the medical profession and the public : in return for the privilege of self-regulation , the profession makes a commitment to promote the public good .
The social contract is a covenant of the profession as a whole . Individual physicians are not expected to assume responsibility for society at large but to uphold the social contract through their commitment to their profession , their medical practice , and their patients .
Translating these values and principles into practice isn ’ t always easy . But it is achievable . In fact , these values are exhibited daily in physicians ’ offices and hospitals across Ontario , reflecting the profession ’ s longstanding tradition of excellence .
However , the guide does not describe specific standards of practice , create legal obligations or provide guidance for every situation that may arise in the practice of medicine . For specific situations that are not covered here , you should rely on the values and principles to guide your practice , and do not hesitate to seek advice .
The guide ’ s continued relevance demands that it reflect an evolving environment . So while values and principles are not likely to change , it is possible that specific duties and policies will .
To remain responsive , the College welcomes your feedback on the guide and the policies it frames . Key sections from the Practice Guide follow , and the complete guide and all policies and publications are available online under Policies and Publications .
The Practice Guide Table of Contents :
12 Values of the Profession
13 Principles of Practice and Duties
• Individually to the Patient
• Collectively to the Public
• To Yourself and Your Colleagues
18 Managing Conflicting Duties
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