Professional Behaviour and the Postgraduate Surgical Curriculum

The importance of maintaining a safe and supportive working environment is emphasised by the syllabus content of all sub-specialty surgical curricula. It is expected that as leaders of the surgical team, the highest standards of behaviour should be maintained by all surgeons, both for the wellbeing and support of colleagues and to ensure the highest quality patient care.

Curricula clearly define the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that should be maintained throughout a surgical career. Accordingly, they have clear relevance to all surgeons, not just to those in training.

Whilst all sub-specialty curricula have different clinical components, there is uniformity in the standards of professional behaviour. Relevant examples include:

Good Clinical Care

Probity and Ethics

Self Awareness and Self Management

Principles of Quality and Safety Improvement

Communication with Colleagues

Promoting Good Health