Power of Professionalism, Ted Talk-style

This March, 10 winners of the Power of Professionalism (POP) Awards presented their perspectives on the concept of professionalism. The talks were part of a slate of activities during Professionalism Month at Baylor College of Medicine.

Below are highlights from each presenter. For more information and resources on how to enhance professionalism in your work life, visit the Center for Professionalism, where you also can learn how to nominate a colleague for a POP Award.

Dr. Masih Ahmed
Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology

“Professionalism is approaching life with empathy and compassion, all while leaving our biases at the door. Professionalism is being a leader by fostering an environment of teamwork and patience. Professionalism is being accountable to those who depend on you, and professionalism is treating each other with dignity and respect because that’s what we all deserve. The power of professionalism is the ripple effect it can have on those around us, and it’s imperative that we each be positive stewards of this, because you never know who’s watching.”

Dr. Michael Coburn
Chair and Professor
Urology

“There are so many different aspects of professionalism that one could address so I decided to focus on intra-professionalism. That is, how we work with each other, how we work with our own colleagues, specialists from other fields, and all the other members of the healthcare team. That interaction is one of the great opportunities to demonstrate and see the true benefits of professionalism. It’s a gift to the patients more than anybody else. It may help avoid unnecessary injury. And it sends a message that we are here to provide any service that we can, whether it’s educational, direct service or support to each other, (and we are) able to create an environment where the best care is being provided.”

Dr. Paige Farinholt
Assistant Professor
Medicine – Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine

“The power of professionalism is not just about the patient. It’s about us, too. It’s about maintaining our own sense of integrity and compassion when things get tough. It’s about showing up day after day and giving our best, even when it feels like we’ve given all we have. The power of professionalism is in our ability to rise to the occasion, to offer care without becoming hardened by the weight of the work that we do. It reminds us of why we chose this path in the first place, to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need us most – meeting them where they are and walking alongside them through their toughest moments with respect, integrity and unwavering care.”

Dr. Allison Heinen
Associate Professor
Medicine – General Internal Medicine

“With the work that I’m doing leading the hospitalist group, I think a lot about professionalism and one facet of professionalism, in particular, which is grace. That’s a very important one to me. For me, professionalism is demonstrated through our actions. It’s something that we have to practice, shaking the hands of our patients, looking our consultant colleagues in the eyes, understanding everyone’s different aspects of treating the patient or whatever conflict we’re having, to try to view things from everyone’s point of view. Grace allows us to do that. It’s about respect.”

Dr. Bharat Joshi
Assistant Professor
Family and Community Medicine

“I’ve been exposed to many challenges, such as language barrier, transcultural competency, imposter syndrome, and so on in my medical journey. But professionalism means a lot to me because it has been my biggest asset that has helped me to overcome all those barriers. It has been the foundation that has carried me through 30 years of my medical journey. It has helped me to see my value as a physician, create my own identity and maintain professional integrity. It has helped me to maintain high standards of patient care, ethical practice, ensure patient well-being as well as good working relation with my co-workers.”

Dr. Vanessa Medrano
Assistant Professor
Medicine – Cardiology

“Professionalism means knowing when to speak, when to listen, and how to make every interaction meaningful. How you communicate the message is as important as the content of the message itself. Maintaining a calm and clear tone is essential to handle even the most complex circumstances with professionalism. But I’m not just a cardiologist, I’m a mother. My 6-year-old son reminds me that while my patients need me, so does he. So, professionalism means showing up fully in both worlds. It is about being present for my patients while also modeling balance for my family. It means setting boundaries, as well as being adaptable and understanding.”

Dr. Niraj Mehta
Associate Professor
Medicine – General Internal Medicine

“I thought I would share a story with you about professionalism and what it means to me. One day, with a trainee, I was at the bedside of a patient with diabetes, explaining that he was to have an above-the-knee amputation, and there really weren’t any alternatives. He patiently listened to me, but it was obvious from verbal and non-verbal clues that we were not getting anywhere at that time. The patient turned to my medical student, and said, ‘You’re the one that I trust, you spend a lot of time with me – you tell me what I should do.’ Later, I told the student I was proud of him and asked him why he spends so much time with his patients. He said, ‘I don’t know, Dr. Mehta, I think it’s just the right thing to do.’ And over all the years, perhaps the definition of professionalism is doing the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do. Doing the right thing, especially when no one else is looking.”

Dr. Geeta Singhal
Professor
Pediatrics
Director
Office of Faculty Development

“What does professionalism mean to me? Be continuously humbled and in awe at this life given to us that allows us to serve others. In this journey, I have needed to remind myself to be kind and compassionate to others again, not just to our patients and their families, but to co-workers and the administrative staff and the janitor and those dedicated folks delivering food to the patients. But what a beautiful challenge to take on.”

Promise Ufomadu
Third-year medical student

“Each of us have had our very own journey, our own lessons, and our own reasons for believing in the power of professionalism. But if there is one thing I’ve come to understand through deep reflection, it’s this: Professionalism is not just about how we present ourselves or the skills that we master, or the work that we produce. It’s about how we uplift others while doing so. I feel professionalism is powerful because it creates spaces where every person, regardless of their background, experience or perspective, feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.”

Compiled by Dana Benson