Three Dimensions Of Professionalism

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Introduction
According to Olckers, Gibbs and Duncan (2007:7:45) an Integrated Health Professional (‘IHP’) combines the three aspects of professionalism depicted in the ‘IHP’ paradigm. An IHP is ‘socially responsive’, moral, ethical and able to collaborate with a range of role players in society. Above all, an IHP is committed to satisfying the health needs of his society.

The IHP diagram
The ‘IHP’ diagram is a tool used by undergraduate health science students in finding their identities as integrated health professionals as it guides them in developing the key qualities of a health professional. Three dimensions of professionalism are depicted in the IHP diagram, namely: the ‘knowledge’ dimension, ‘interpersonal’ dimension and ‘intrapersonal’ dimension. Only through the exploration of these dimensions can a healthcare professional develop an appreciation for professionalism and conduct himself in a professional manner
(Olckers, Gibbs & Duncan, 2007:7:45).

Knowledge Dimension
The ‘knowing health professional’ is committed to life-long learning. He continuously seeks facts and scientific information to expand his knowledge. Olckers, Gibbs and Duncan (2007:7:45) state that these new findings combined with his ‘prior knowledge’ will assist him in “developing expertise”, inspire him to be innovative as well as enhance his understanding and appreciation of the unique responsibilities of role players in his society so that he may disregard “misguided myths” and effectively

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