Hi all,

I am looking to find a mixture of physicians' views (for part of a paper on ethics) about what is considered unprofessional in medicine.

By unprofessional, I do not mean illegal, or likely to cause the person to be fired or lose their license, but something closer to what goes against professional mores?

As an example, I've been told that for certain specialties it's considered unprofessional to advertise your services on TV?

If you have the time just to give a short response (or longer, of course) I would really appreciate it.

Thank you kindly in advance.

See: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/ama-code-medical-ethics/frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Is this a med school assignment or something?

I'd say "unprofessional behavior" is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. I would say that dating/romantic relationships with patients, use of excessive EtOH or any illicit drugs would be included under unprofessional behavior.
The JCAHO has recently defined unprofessional behavior to be any unpleasant or disrespectful behavior to anyone in the hospital (such as nurses, etc.), which can include comments to people in a "condescending manner" and/or "silently exhibiting uncooperative attitudes". The latter definitions are frighteningly vague and one could envision these definitions being used to "go after" any physician who became unpopular for whatever reason.

It's actually just something my premed advisor asked me to do since I am interested in ethics. I am writing a brief report on it and possibly using some related stuff for a personal statement.

Thank you so much!

Things that unnecessarily put others ill at ease or at risk of harm.

Personal gains other than customary payment.

Exploiting unequal power relationships (ie. don't be grumpy with the nurse if you have a bad day).

Self-gratification excused as "it's for their benefit, including personal relationships.

Practicing beyond the scope of your knowledge.

The narcissism that inherently get bred into physicians in medical school.