True professionalism lives in the small moments

Editor’s note: This is the first post in a two-part series on professionalism

A few months ago, I attended a meeting centered on professionalism, empathy, connection and the human side of healthcare. The speakers were passionate, eloquent and deeply moving. One word that stood out during the event was “stoppable”— a way to describe someone who is approachable, open and present. It resonated with me.

When I returned home, I took the time to write thoughtful messages to several of the speakers, thanking them for their insights and offering ideas for continued dialogue. I wasn’t expecting lengthy replies, just a simple acknowledgment, a shared moment of connection. But none of them responded. The only replies I received came from two administrative staff members who had helped organize the event. Their gratitude was genuine and heartfelt.

This experience left me reflecting on a profound disconnect: how can we speak so passionately about professionalism, empathy and connection, yet fail to practice it in the simplest of ways?

Professionalism is not a performance. It’s not a polished speech or a well-crafted mission statement. Professionalism is a practice rooted in self-awareness, an ongoing commitment to align our thoughts, words and actions. When we speak of kindness, we must embody it. When we advocate for connection, we must be willing to connect. Otherwise, professionalism becomes an empty exercise, a façade that erodes trust and undermines collegiality rather than building it.

Every interaction carries weight and reflects our integrity. True professionalism is often revealed not in grand gestures, but rather in the small moments: the returned email, the listening ear, the willingness to be “stoppable.” These moments may seem minor, but they are the building blocks of trust and respect. Even in these small actions and brief encounters, we have the opportunity to do the right thing and demonstrate reliability and a commitment to others. Over time, these seemingly small choices quietly shape our professional identity, an identity grounded in the unwavering commitment to do what is right, even when the moment or the person feels insignificant, and no one is watching.

Dr. Fabrizia Faustinella, professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine. She also is a Health Policy Scholar in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy.