The bridge between who we are and who we aspire to be

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

Earlier this spring, the Baylor Center for Professionalism hosted its TenTalk event, where recipients of the Power of Professionalism Award shared personal reflections on what professionalism means in practice. I was honored to be selected as one of the presenters, though I wasn’t able to attend due to personal circumstances. Still, I’d like to contribute to the conversation by sharing my perspective here on how professionalism can guide us and keep us anchored in our mission and values.

There are, among others, three key values that I believe are essential to our professional and personal mission to heal, serve, grow, advocate and live a life of purpose:

Professionalism requires us to be deliberate about maintaining and fostering professional competencies and skills. In a field that’s constantly evolving, staying informed, relevant and effective requires intentional effort. Whether through formal education, collaboration with peers, or self-directed learning, the ongoing development of professional skills is a moral responsibility, one that ensures we can serve others with competence and to the best of our abilities.

Being respectful and considerate. Professionalism requires us to be mindful of how our words and actions align with our values and affect those around us, encouraging a thoughtful and compassionate approach in all interactions. By helping us to rise above daily frustrations, of which there are plenty, professionalism allows us to remain conscious of the example we set, listen actively, communicate clearly, treat every individual with dignity and empathy, admit mistakes and apologize when needed.

Cultivating intellectual humility. Perhaps most profoundly, professionalism fosters a deep sense of awareness that we don’t have all the answers and that our understanding is always evolving. This recognition is at the heart of intellectual humility and encourages ongoing reflection, thoughtful dialogue and a genuine willingness to learn from every experience and every individual. This openness to new ideas and perspectives is not only vital for personal growth but also essential for meaningful collaboration and innovation.

Professionalism keeps us grounded in our mission and true to our values by offering a framework for continuous growth and improvement, a bridge between who we are and who we aspire to be.

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.