Medical Professionalism Project

To the Editor: Your enthusiastic comments accompanying the publication of a "physicians' charter" prepared by the Medical Professionalism Project1 do not acknowledge strikingly enhanced approaches to medical professionalism in Australia dating from the landmark Doherty Report in 1988.2 One of the most noticeable changes since that time is the emphasis now placed on professional development throughout medical school curricula3 and in the preregistration year.4,5 In addition, our medical colleges are poised to do more in this area in their postgraduate training and continuing professional development programs.6 You fail to point out that the "physicians' charter" contains nothing new, as an examination of the Code of Ethics of the Australian Medical Association will reveal.7