Professionalism: a framework to guide medical education.

Philosophical ethical analysis to identify the key precepts associated with professionalism that could best guide the development of an appropriately reflective curriculum. The key precepts can be grouped under two headings: 1) Professionalism as a trust-generating promise? (representing commitment to patients? interests, more than a mere business, a social contract, a public and collective promise, and hard work); 2) Professionalism as application of virtue to practice? (based on virtue, deeper attitudes rather than mere behaviour, and requiring of practical wisdom).