SPECIAL COMMUNICATION
David Loxterkamp, MD
Corresponding Author: David Loxterkamp, MD; Seaport Community Health Center.
Email: david.loxterkamp@gmail.com
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220421R1
Keywords: Altruism, Humanities, Leadership, Patient Care Team, Professionalism, Substance-Related Disorders
Dates: Submitted: 12-11-2022; Revised: 01-07-2023; Accepted: 01-17-2023
FINAL PUBLICATION: |HTML| |PDF|
Professionalism is what professionals do to connect, contribute, and give back to their profession. We often picture it on a grand and spot-lit stage: the white coat ceremony, graduation oath, diplomas on the wall, and resumes on file. But it is in the crucible of everyday practice that a different image emerges. The icon of the heroic and duty-bound physician morphs into a kind of family portrait. Here we stand on a stage built by our forebears, lean against our colleagues, and look to the community where our work is fulfilled.