Medical Professionalism: Behaviour to Embrace and Avoid

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on Professional Conduct in Healthcare: Key Do’s and Don’ts for Medical Practitioners. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid.  Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."

Written by: Samyuktha Sairam

What is the Importance of Medical Professionals in GBV Cases?

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to a range of harmful acts rooted in gender norms and inequalities. These acts are often intended to isolate an individual from their support system, exploit their resources, limit their autonomy, and control their daily life. GBV can affect people of all genders, though global data reflects a higher prevalence among women and girls (United Nations, 1993).

Disclosing experiences of GBV is an incredibly difficult process. It requires immense courage and emotional strength, and it is rarely straightforward. Survivors may experience shame, fear, helplessness, or confusion when speaking about what happened. Many worry that they will not be believed—especially if previous attempts to seek help were met with disbelief, judgement, or dismissive responses from those in positions of authority.

Because of these challenges, medical professionals play a critical role in providing early, compassionate, and trauma-informed support. Survivors often interact with healthcare providers before approaching any legal or social services, making medical settings a vital point of identification and intervention. To better support survivors, significant efforts have been made globally to train healthcare professionals in trauma-informed care, non-judgmental communication, and the specific considerations involved in responding to sexual and gender-based violence. (Ali, 2017)

A sensitive and well-trained medical professional can:

• Ensure the survivor’s immediate safety and medical care

• Document injuries and findings in a manner that is admissible in court

• Provide empathetic, non-judgmental emotional support

• Explain procedures clearly and obtain informed consent at every step

• Connect the survivor with counselling, legal resources, and crisis support

• Reduce the risk of re-traumatisation during medical examinations

In this way, medical professionals serve not only as healthcare providers but also as trusted allies who help survivors regain a sense of control, dignity, and safety.

What Can You Expect to Gain From Visiting a Medical Professional as a GBV Survivor?

In addition to offering emotional and psychological support, healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing the physical health impacts of gender-based violence (GBV). Even when injuries are not visible, GBV can increase the risk of various medical conditions, many of which can be effectively treated or prevented with timely healthcare.

Research has shown a strong association between GBV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), highlighting the importance of seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an incident. (Geller et al., 2020) A medical professional can help you understand and manage these risks safely and confidentially.

Healthcare support may include:

• Assessment and treatment of STIs, including HIV and hepatitis B

• Emergency contraception, when relevant

• Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), in accordance with legal and medical guidelines

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a medication regimen used to reduce the risk of HIV infection after possible exposure

• Treatment of physical injuries, pain management, and wound care

• Screening for long-term medical concerns, such as reproductive health issues or chronic pain

Studies, including one by Buard et al. (2013), show that early administration of PEP and appropriate STI treatment can be highly effective. Seeking medical care can therefore be a vital step not only for your physical health but also for regaining a sense of safety and control during a difficult time.

What are the Do's of Medical Professionalism?

Medical professionalism is guided by a set of ethical principles and standards that govern how healthcare providers interact with their patients. A central principle across these standards is that medicine treats people, not just sickness. This means that healthcare professionals are expected to act with humanity, respect, and dignity in all interactions with patients.

In India, doctors and other medical professionals are regulated by the National Medical Commission’s Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) module, which they are required by law to complete during their training. This module emphasizes not only clinical competence but also ethical and empathetic patient care.

Key Practices of Professionalism

1. Professional Competence and Honesty: Your healthcare provider should demonstrate a commitment to professional competence by providing accurate, evidence-based advice and care. Competence goes beyond textbook knowledge—it also involves honesty about your treatment options and potential outcomes, and ensuring that you understand the medical advice being given.

2. Confidentiality and Trust: Doctors must respect the confidentiality of all information shared with them. You should feel safe confiding in your provider, knowing that your disclosures will be handled with discretion. This is particularly important in cases of gender-based violence, where disclosure can carry emotional or safety risks.

3. Empathy and Rapport: Building a healthy and supportive relationship with your healthcare provider is essential. You should feel validated and heard, and your provider should create an environment where you can discuss sensitive issues without fear of judgement or blame.

4. Clear Communication: Your healthcare provider should have strong communication skills, explaining diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognoses in clear, understandable language. They should check that you comprehend the information and feel comfortable asking questions.

5. Sensitivity to Trauma: Providers should be mindful of the tone and language they use, avoiding any approach that might feel accusatory, dismissive, or uncomfortable. Their interactions should prioritize your safety, emotional well-being, and empowerment in the care process.

What are the Ethical Dilemmas that Medical Professionals May Experience?

Medical professionals may face ethical dilemmas, such as balancing mandatory reporting of sexual violence with a patient’s wish for privacy. While doctors may be legally obligated to report certain incidents, they should always approach such situations with sensitivity, ensuring that the patient’s safety and autonomy remain central (Saurabh & Prateek, 2018).

When these standards are upheld, healthcare encounters not only address medical needs but also provide survivors with support, validation, and empowerment—all of which are critical in the aftermath of gender-based violence (Kirk, 2007; WHO, 2014).

What are the Don'ts of Medical Professionalism?

Just as there are standards for what a medical professional should do, there are clear expectations about what they should not do when treating survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Key Practices to Avoid

1. Dishonesty or Evasion: Your healthcare provider should always be transparent about their qualifications and competence. If a procedure or complex treatment is required, you have the right to ask whether your doctor is qualified to perform it. A professional doctor should answer honestly and, if necessary, refer you to a more qualified colleague without defensiveness or hesitation.

2. Judgment or Scrutiny of Your Experience: Your doctor should never talk down to you, question the validity of your experience, or express doubt about your disclosures. You have the right to share as much or as little about your experience as you feel comfortable, and under no circumstances should a medical professional coerce you into disclosure. (Indian Medical Council, 2002)

3. Pressuring or Forcing Medical Procedures: GBV investigations may involve invasive medical examinations. It is entirely normal for a survivor to feel hesitant or decline certain procedures. While a doctor may explain the benefits of a procedure, they must never pressure or coerce you into undergoing it. Your consent should always be informed and voluntary.

4. Blame, Presumption, or Derogatory Remarks: During consultations, your doctor may ask about your medical or sexual history. They should never make presumptuous, judgmental, or derogatory remarks. Any form of blaming the survivor for the violence they experienced is unacceptable, as it undermines trust, safety, and the therapeutic relationship. (Indian Medical Council, 2002)

5. Insensitive Communication: The tone, language, and mannerisms of a medical professional matter. They should avoid condescension, impatience, or dismissiveness, particularly when discussing sensitive or traumatic experiences.

When these boundaries are violated, survivors may feel unsafe, retraumatized, or reluctant to seek further care. A competent and ethical healthcare provider prioritizes safety, dignity, autonomy, and informed consent at all times.

What Do You Do if a Medical Professional Makes You Feel Uncomfortable?

Healthcare providers are responsible for treating you as a person, not just a condition. While it is recommended to undergo necessary medical procedures, some procedures may feel invasive or overwhelming. You have the right to decline or postpone any procedure, and your provider should respect your choice, maintain confidentiality, and avoid any derogatory or judgmental remarks.

Steps You Can Take

1. Communicate Your Concerns: If a doctor’s behavior or remarks make you uncomfortable, you may choose to communicate your concerns directly. This can help both you and future patients. However, it is completely normal if you do not feel safe or comfortable addressing the issue with them.

2. Request a Different Doctor: If you are admitted to a hospital or receiving ongoing care, you can request a new doctor. If possible, consider terminating the doctor-patient relationship and seeking care elsewhere.

3. Report the Issue: In situations where changing doctors is not feasible, or the misconduct is severe, reporting the incident may be necessary:

   • National Medical Commission or State Medical Council: File a formal complaint including your name, contact details, a factual report of the incident, and any supporting evidence. The council may investigate, suspend, or revoke the doctor’s license and may schedule a hearing.

   • Police: In cases of extreme negligence, abuse, or misconduct, you may also file a complaint with local law enforcement.

Key Points to Remember

• You have the right to feel safe, respected, and supported during all medical interactions.

• Documentation and evidence (messages, recordings, medical records) can help support your complaint.

• Taking action protects not only yourself but also future patients from potential harm.

Want the references for this article?

• Ali, P. (2017). Gender-based violence and the role of healthcare professionals. Nursing Open, 5(1), 4–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.120

• Buard, V., Van den Bergh, R., Tayler-Smith, K., Godia, P., Sobry, A., Kosgei, R. J., Szumilin, E., Harries, A. D., & Pujades-Rodriguez, M. (2013). Characteristics, medical management and outcomes of survivors of sexual gender-based violence, Nairobi, Kenya. Public Health Action, 3(2), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.5588/pha.13.0012

• Geller, R. J., Decker, M. R., Adedimeji, A. A., Weber, K. M., Kassaye, S., Taylor, T. N., Cohen, J., Adimora, A. A., Haddad, L. B., Fischl, M., Cunningham, S., & Golub, E. T. (2020). A prospective study of exposure to gender-based violence and risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, 1995–2018. Journal of Women's Health, 29(10), 1256–1267. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2019.7972

• Indian Medical Council. (2002). Professional conduct, etiquette and ethics. https://www.nmc.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Ethics-Regulations-2002.pdf

• Kirk, L. M. (2007). Professionalism in medicine: Definitions and considerations for teaching. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 20(1), 13–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2007.11928225

• Saurabh, S., & Prateek, S. (2018). Medical professionalism in India: Present and future. International Journal of Academic Medicine, 4(3), 306. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijam.ijam_30_18

• United Nations. (1993). Declaration on the elimination of violence against women. UN General Assembly.

• World Health Organization. (2014). Gender-based violence treatment protocol for healthcare providers in Afghanistan. https://applications.emro.who.int/dsaf/EMROPUB_2015_EN_1882.pdf