The Importance of Medical Professionalism - Essay Example

Medical Practice Introduction Medical professionalism in the present scenario is based on providing quality treatment as well as medication services as compared to the traditional medical practices, which was based on different aspects that include self-regulation, mastery and autonomy. Presently, there has been an immense change in the field of medical practice in comparison to the apprentice system practiced during the colonial time. The growth as well as the change in medical practices can be witnessed with respect to technologically advanced medical instruments. Additionally, medical professionals are also required to ensure that medical treatment services and medications are offered ethically (Sultz & Young, 2010). In this regard, the research paper discusses the changes in medical practices and for medical doctors over the past 100 years. The Medical Doctor’s Professional Changes over the Past Century In the present modern day context, medical professionals are required to be contemporary in their approaches, so that quality care as well as treatment services are provided to patients. Medical practices have changed from the past 100 years in a significant manner with respect to different fields that include training, regulation and education. Presently, medical professionals are also required to perform their care as well as treatment services on basis of medical standards and in accordance with the needs of society. The government of United States of America (US) had made adequate investment as grants towards medical schools as well as hospitals with the aim of ascertaining that medical professionals are able to perform their care services effectively during complex medical conditions and treatment requirements. Additionally, university medical centers and academic health centers are offered with the aim of providing different medical as well as professional programs. Medical professionals with the assistance of professional as well as medical programs are able to meet treatment as well as care needs of patients successfully (Sultz & Young, 2010). Presently, academic health centers are recognized to be equipped with advanced as well as specialized technologies. In this respect, medical professionals are required to be competent in clinical field, so that appropriate treatments as well as care services are provided successfully with the assistance of advanced medical instruments. Presently, medical professionals are also needed to make effective professional judgment and develop fiduciary relationship in order to build trust with patients (Sultz & Young, 2010). At present, medical professionals are required to be competent in order to provide sophisticated care as well as treatment services in different centers that include burn centers, trauma centers along with neonatal intensive care centers. Additionally, medical professionals should operate technological advanced instruments with the aim of offering appropriate treatments in relation to neurologic, cancer and heart disease. Changes in the medical practices are implemented with the intention of ensuring that medical professionals are able to perform their activities in a time efficient as well as responsible manner. It has been identified that there is an increased demand for medical professionals including nurses, dentistry, physicians and pharmacists among others. In this context, the change in the healthcare system in relation to advanced technology and healthcare sector expansion has changed the practices of medical professionals (Sultz & Young, 2010). Historical Changes in Medical Practices During the colonial time in the history of the US, medical schools were not developed as it is now. At that time, the women would treat in their home with medical herbs. Traditionally, healthcare sector was identified to unstructured, as doctors did not possess proper medical qualification as well as training. At that time, doctors learnt their job responsibilities by working as apprentices in coordination with practicing physicians. There was a lack of proper medical schools, training facilities and medicine facilities. Doctors visited patients and their fees were based on the services offered i.e. ‘fee for service’. In this regard, at present it has been recognized that concerned has been emphasized towards medical education. Additionally, medical practices are required to develop a strong ground in science as a pre-medical requirement. Measures are undertaken to ensure that medical curriculum are standardized. Medical professionals in order to develop their medical practices through research as well as training services are provided with full-time faculty. In this respect, medical professionals with the growing healthcare demands as well as needs has developed healthcare organizations with the aim of improving health coverage and meet the needs of society as a whole. Medical professionals in order to practice medicine are required to obtain license. Moreover, medical professionals to be specialists are required to have pursued courses in respective course subject area (Clark, 2011; Sultz & Young, 2010). The Current Trends in the Healthcare Industry and the Impact on Physicians and Medical Practices Currently, it has been identified that healthcare industry is developing in a rapid pace with the aim of improving care as well as treatment quality and healthcare coverage. In the US, the number of outpatient clinics has increased substantially. Additionally, the increased number of hospitals, management firms of physicians and health insurance companies has changed medical practices and the practices of physicians. Moreover, physicians are determined to play a pivotal role in the spending of healthcare on the ground of referrals, hospital admissions and tests among others. The change in the present medical practices has been observed owing to the fact of complex medical management and decline in the ratio of compensation. In this respect, doctors are recognized to get themselves employed in outside healthcare institutions in order to have better secured time schedule as well as salary structure. Subsequently, physicians are identified to face difficulties in hiring doctors for providing medical services in small practice. Contextually, the development of the healthcare industry might assist in managing healthcare costs and also to ensure quality care as well as treatment services (Kirchhoff, 2013; Sultz & Young, 2010). Conclusion It can be comprehended from the foregoing discussion that medical practice has changed dramatically in the past 100 years. Historically, healthcare was unstructured and doctors offered treatment and care services on the basis of ‘fee for services’. Medicines were based on herbs and doctors were not competent in providing effective treatment particularly during sophisticated health situation. In this present day context, significant diversification can be seen in the US healthcare industry and the practice of medical professionals. Beside the healthcare sector in US can also be seen to implement technologically advanced equipment in providing different treatment services to meet the growing health care needs of the US society. The drastic development of healthcare sector has aided in managing healthcare cost. Additionally, measures are undertaken with the intention of ascertaining that quality care as well as treatment services are offered to patients. References Clark, S. R. (2011). Health care reform’s effect on private medical practices. CMC Senior Theses, 1-32. Kirchhoff, S. M. (2013). Physician practices: Background, organization, and market consolidation. Congressional Research Service, 1-20. Sultz, H. A., & Young, K. M. (2010). Health care USA. United States: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Read More