Excellence and Professionalism in Radiology

Abstract

W557 and profitability, which are separable from those doing the work, count for a lot but are not the “whole story.” For one thing, their supply is limited and their pursuit can result in destructive competition. In health care, the successful pursuit of goods by any single individual or organization often entails the failure of other organizations. For one to win, others must lose. Each is trying to take away the others’ business. When it comes to intrinsic goods, however, the flourishing of one individual or organization does not threaten others. In fact, cultivating excellence of character actually redounds to everyone’s benefit by enhancing the standing of the field. Whereas the number of radiologic examinations and amount of money that can be allocated to radiology are relatively fixed from year to year, the pursuit of excellence is unlimited. For example, every department could foster higher-quality relationships with patients and the benefits in enhanced respect and trust would enrich all of radiology [2]. Someone who pursues excellence to gain extrinsic goods has mistaken the lesser good for the greater [3]. Excellence is not a means to augment profitability, promote a career, or win awards. Quite the reverse: Extrinsic goods such as money, power, and fame are useful primarily to the extent that they enable us to become better professionals and human beings. The goal is not simply to maximize productivity or profitability, which might entail excessive professional and personal sacrifices. Seeking to acquire more things makes no sense if it requires us to become lesser human beings. When it comes to excellence, people are more important than processes, and personal integrity and fulfillment are more important than mere profitability [4]. An individual or organization that is prepared to Excellence and Professionalism in Radiology