Redefining Medical Professionalism in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study of Societal Expectations and Educational Implications

Background: Global frameworks of medical professionalism are often grounded in Western liberal values, which may misalign with ethical expectations in non-Western contexts. In Taiwan, where Confucian traditions shape clinical interactions, professionalism is rooted in relational ethics, family-centered care, and emotional labor. This study explored how professionalism is culturally defined and negotiated among key stakeholder groups in Taiwanese healthcare. Methods: A qualitative, constructivist-interpretivist design guided the study. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 78 participants from a major teaching hospital and surrounding community in northern Taiwan, including practicing physicians (n = 25), medical students (n = 20), and members of the public (n = 33). A constructivist-interpretivist paradigm informed data collection and thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Coding was conducted in Mandarin and triangulated by an interdisciplinary research team with clinical, sociological, and educational expertise. Results: Eleven subthemes were identified and organized into three themes: (1) humanistic and relational values (e.g., empathy, moral character, emotional labor); (2) professional expectations (e.g., communication, accountability, lifelong learning); and (3) cultural tensions (e.g., service orientation, family obligations versus patient autonomy). Stakeholders expressed divergent views of professionalism, particularly between public expectations and formal curricular ideals. Discussion: Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive professionalism education in Confucian-influenced contexts. Integrating relational ethics, emotional attunement, and family-centered values into curricula, assessment, and faculty development may better align training with societal expectations. This study offers a contextualized framework for professionalism that reconciles global standards with local moral landscapes.