Remarks on medical profession.

Abstract

This article suggests some comments regarding medical profession and – in some ways – other sanitary occupations. To acquire and maintain a high level skill it is necessary to have a qualifying service means available; which means, not only technical scientific, but also ethical cultural orientations, in order to better meet the health demand.

As far as it concerns professional competence, the author distinguishes four components in it – physical, psychological, cognitive, and volitive – and shows how to improve it. The holistic approach to the patient is considered the most succesful, also within the medical specializations. Some considerations on medical art are also made.

Then, the article reaffirms the importance of fiduciary relationship, according to which a knowledge of the person and the respect of the patient’s somatic, psychological, and spiritual unity should be pursued, beyond the doctor in attendance competence.

The medical act, which is defined in the article, must be always considered free and responsible, despites the many attempts to deny it. Moreover, the article identifies the requisites that qualify the humane behaviour of health care workers and the health care system.

Indeeed, within social context it should never be allowed to let health become exchange goods.

Finally, the article discusses the aims of medical profession and the notion of quality of life.