2009-The Physician of the Future English and Catalan

F UNDACIÓN E DUCACIÓN M ÉDICA (FEM) 26 Describing the general traits of what our physicians have in common is a di#cult task as at least three elements giving rise to diversity must be taken into account: Professional fragmentation in specialties each showing speci"c ■ behavioural pro"les Existence of a generational breakthrough around 35-40 years, with ■ marked di'erences on how the medical profession is understood and practised Gender di'erences and the shi% towards a highly feminised medical ■ profession We believe that identifying a generic pro"le of today’s physician describing his basic common traits and behaviours is possible and helpful when seeking improvement. As we mentioned earlier the professional pro"le corresponds to the traditional clinician dealing and interacting with patients directly. It goes without saying that not all professionals display all these characteristics, perhaps many of them show none, as described below. But the characteristics described are accurate and not an exaggeration of a non-existent doctor and are supported by qualitative research of real and observable facts. Certainly many professionals will not identify themselves rightly with the described pro"le but, no doubt, some will display some of the traits described in their professional behaviours. It is irrelevant whether this number is extensive or limited as their sole presence is enough to taint the entire profession. Ten schematic scenarios in which today’s doctors practise their profession have been described and constitute the frameworks under which the professional pro"les have been analysed (table 1)