Professionalism and Accountability in Writing

The Muslim Doctor

• A guide for ethical and professional behavior, written by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees Anwar
• Published in November 2018
• Authored by Idrees Anwar, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Has 48 publications and 635 citations
• Has research projects including "Diabetic foot" and "Apprenticeship model"

Preface

• The author shares their convictions regarding appropriate doctor and medical student conduct
• The book aims to encourage the highest of ethical and professional values
• Emphasizes the profound meaning of being a doctor and their responsibilities to humanity
• Focuses on maintaining a dignified image for doctors both personally and professionally
• The author learned through writing the book, discovering gaps in their own clinical practice
• Advocates for doctors to adopt a philanthropic approach

Acknowledgement

• The author thanks Allah for blessings and guidance
• Expresses gratitude to their mother and sister for reviewing the manuscript
• Thanks their wife and children for support, patronage, and patience

Dedication

• The book is dedicated to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey
• The author is inspired by him as a leader for the Muslim World.

Chapter 1: Ethics and Professionalism

• Explains the meaning of ethics and professionalism in traditional and western contexts
• Ethics refers to interactions with patients based on cultural, moral and religious values
• Professionalism revolves specifically around professional behavior, based on the profession itself
• Highlights key domains of UK model professionalism

Chapter 2: Disease and Treatment

• Explores sickness and health from an Islamic perspective
• Describes sickness not as a punishment but as ordained by Allah
• Emphasizes endurance and seeking treatment through medicine and supplication (Dua)
• Highlights the concept that illness is often a blessing in disguise and may lead to spiritual refinement

Chapter 3: What Doctor Means

• Defines the concept of "doctor" and what it entails in the societal and professional context
• Explores professional obligations and behaviors, along with the importance of continuous learning
• Discusses the roles and responsibilities a doctor must possess, including communication, leadership, and collaboration with those they serve, in their role as a doctor within the societal context – Key elements include professional governance, professional practice, and personal professional development

Chapter 4: Islamic Principles of Ethics

• Islam, as a complete way of life, provides comprehensive standards for ethical conduct.
• Foundational principles explained include Taqwa (fear of Allah), Hadood Allah (divine boundaries), Haqooq ul ebad (rights of people), and Ahsan (excellence).

Chapter 5: Core Values of a Doctor

• Presents seven core values for a professional doctor based on western literature along with five additional core values for a Muslim doctor.
• Core values include accountability, altruism; compassion; excellence; integrity; professional duty; and social responsibility

Chapter 6: Appearance of a Doctor

• Explains how a Muslim doctor should dress in a manner that preserves dignity and modesty both for men and women doctors.
• Focuses on appropriate clothing, avoiding overly revealing or untidy attire, and maintaining appropriate hygiene.
• Highlights the importance of proper grooming for both male and female doctors.

Chapter 7: Diseases of Doctors

– Discusses inner diseases of the heart, like excessive pride (kibr), lack of patience (nifad us sabar), apathy (alfatoor), injustice (zulm), and greed (tamah).

• Explores coping mechanisms and remedies for these issues from an Islamic perspective.

Chapter 8: Culture of Assalamoaliqum

• Explores the significance of the Islamic greeting "Assalamoaliqum"
• Provides guidelines for proper usage of the greeting in various contexts, including interactions with patients

Chapter 9: Concept of Khidmat

• Explores the concept of "khidmat" (service)—a central concept in the Islamic worldview, emphasizing selfless service to humanity and fellow Muslims.
• Highlights how this can apply to daily professional work, and how to act as an effective and sincere servant of Allah

Chapter 10: Consent Taking

• Addresses the concept of informed consent, emphasizing the importance of understanding, providing appropriate information, and upholding patient autonomy in all situations.
• Guidelines on how to approach consent taking with a Muslim patient, keeping in mind their values and beliefs.

Chapter 11: Manners in Outpatient Clinics

– Outlines respectful and professional behavior for doctors in outpatient clinics, from initial encounter with the patient, addressing procedures, handling patient inquiries, etiquette for consultations

Chapter 12: Manners of Speech

• Provides guidelines on appropriate speech, communication techniques, and avoiding negative speech patterns from an Islamic perspective.
• Emphasizes the importance of using appropriate language, tone, and body language in interactions.
• Explains the principle of honesty and truthfulness in all conversations.

Chapter 13: Attitude in Procedure Room

• Explores ethical and professional behavior of doctors in procedure rooms based on Islamic teachings.
• Includes guidelines on greeting, explaining procedures, showing empathy and compassion, and addressing patient's concerns
• Discusses the importance of maintaining a peaceful and supportive environment in procedures

Chapter 14: Making Decisions as a Muslim Doctor

– Explores the principles for making ethical and moral decisions from an Islamic perspective.

• Emphasizes the importance of considering Islamic law (Sharia), the patient's beliefs, rules of the land, and multidisciplinary collaboration when making decisions.

Chapter 15: Honesty

• Defines honesty in the context of Islamic teachings.
• Highlights the importance being truthful, trustworthy, and just in their interactions, especially when making decisions within their profession.

Chapter 16: Giving Charity

• Explores the concept of charity (sadqa) in Islam and its diverse forms, including material donations and acts of kindness.
• Highlights the rewards and benefits of giving charitable acts

Chapter 17: Gender Interaction

• Provides principles for interactions with members of the opposite gender, based on Islamic teachings and cultural norms.
• Maintains the importance of proper conduct and modesty in all interactions.

Chapter 18: Using Mobile Phones

• Discusses the use of mobile phones, with an emphasis on avoiding actions that are considered inappropriate given Islamic beliefs.
• Covers the proper use and etiquette.

Chapter 19: Maintaining Trust and Dignity

– Discusses the importance of safeguarding the trust of patients and maintaining their dignity, especially important when handling sensitive patient information

• Covers procedures that safeguard the privacy and dignity of patients throughout the care process

Chapter 20: Care of Terminally Ill Patients

• Explores the approach to caring for patients who are terminally ill in line with Islamic principles and teachings.
• Emphasizes that premature death is prohibited by Islam, focusing on the dignity of life and patient needs.

This quiz explores the themes of professionalism as discussed by the author, including the author's perspective on debates and conduct. It also delves into the implications of professionalism for accountability and the experiences that can lead to forgiveness in the context of Islamic teachings.