Our Professional Cloak

COMMENTARY

Professionalism is a concept that is embedded in the DNA of physicians. It is one of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's core competencies that residency programs must integrate into their curriculum. It emboldens us to wear a cloak filled with integrity, respect, and compassion for the communities we serve.

Too often that cloak needs a deep cleaning and reminder that these positive attributes are also essential for the healer's professional and personal well-being. Physicians must be mindful that we have an obligation to replenish our tanks of self-compassion daily in order to flourish.

I hope this poem inspires refection and peace.

First care for thy self

Professionalism decree

Self-compassion wins

Dr Clark is clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and medical director & division chief for Adult Inpatient and Consult-Liaison Services for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Prisma Health-Upstate. He serves as the Diversity & Inclusion Section Editor and Advisory Board member for Psychiatric Times^TM.