Should Japanese physicians' professionalism be based on "bushido" , a business philosophy, or benevolence? / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

<p>　Professionalism was featured in this scientific journal the other day, and a paper on whether or not bushido, or Japanese chivalry, could serve as a model of professionalism required for Japanese physicians was published in it. Following this, the issue was also discussed in a paper written by Iwata. From my point of view, Japanese physicians should learn professionalism from Confucianism including the teachings of Confucius, the basis of Japanese chivalry, rather than bushido itself, as recommended in a paper written by Nishigori.</p><p></p><p>　On the other hand, Sanpo-yoshi (benefits for all three sides), or a business philosophy, introduced by Nomura in his paper, is family profit-oriented and irrelevant to the above-mentioned "not-for-profit" professionalism. It has been said that "medicine is benevolent art" , and the basis of education on professionalism for Japanese physicians will be developed by learning about "benevolence" from the Analects of Confucius.</p>