Professionalism & Integrity – Introduction

Why Professionalism & Integrity Matter in the MSRA SJT

Professionalism and Integrity MSRA SJT

This professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT guide explains why GMC behavioural standards underpin most SJT scenarios and how to score highly in professionalism questions.

🎥 Video Lesson (YouTube)

🎧 Podcast Lesson (Spotify / Apple / Amazon)

Professionalism is the backbone of the MSRA SJT. Almost every scenario — whether it involves communication, escalation, fairness, patient safety, or honesty — is anchored in the principles found in this section.

This module covers the essential behavioural standards the GMC expects of every doctor, and the exact principles the MSRA tests repeatedly.

Below is your roadmap for mastering this domain.

Professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT questions dominate the behavioural section of the exam.

🔑 Why Professionalism & Integrity matters in the MSRA: Further information

Professionalism questions appear in 60–70% of SJT items. They test:

protecting patients
maintaining honesty
managing boundaries
recognising your own limitations
avoiding conflicts of interest
working safely within competence
behaving fairly, respectfully and consistently

If you understand this section well, your SJT score will rise significantly — because professional behaviour is the foundation of almost every ranking or “choose 3” question.

🧠 High-Yield Exam Mindset

Use this mindset for all professionalism scenarios:

1️⃣ Safety first

If any action risks harm → escalate → document → seek senior help.

2️⃣ Honesty always scores high

Candour, transparency, accurate documentation, openness about errors.

3️⃣ Boundaries matter

No personal relationships, no blurred roles, no inappropriate behaviour.

4️⃣ Fairness & respect

Avoid assumptions, stereotypes, bias, or discrimination.

5️⃣ Work within competence

Ask early for senior support; never “just try” if you’re not trained.

The GMC principles behind professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT are tested in most ranking scenarios.

📘 What you will learn in this section

You’ll cover seven high-yield topics:

Maintaining Professional Boundaries
Honesty & Candour (Duty of Candour)
Upholding GMC Standards
Conflict of Interest
Professional Appearance & Behaviour
Self-awareness & Insight
Maintaining Competence & CPD

These pages each include exam traps, common pitfalls, GMC anchor points, and MSRA SJT mini-scenarios.

Boundary, honesty and escalation errors often cause drops in professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT scores.

⚠️ Common Professionalism Pitfalls (often ranked lowest)

These options almost always score poorly in the SJT:

🚫 hiding mistakes
🚫 delaying escalation
🚫 working beyond competence
🚫 favouring colleagues/friends
🚫 breaching confidentiality casually
🚫 using unprofessional language
🚫 prioritising convenience over safety
🚫 avoiding difficult conversations
🚫 blaming colleagues without facts

You’ll learn how to spot these instantly.

Conflicts of interest are a frequent trap in professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT questions.

⭐ Quick Memory Aid (PEARL Framework)

A simple anchor for professional behaviour:

P – Protect the patient
E – Ensure fairness
A – Act within competence
R – Respond honestly
L – Legal & ethical duties (consent, confidentiality, dignity)

Use this on ANY ranking question and your accuracy improves instantly.

Working within competence is a core theme in professionalism and integrity MSRA SJT marking.

🎧 Listen While You Learn (Optional)

Our SJT podcasts include deep-dives on professionalism, boundaries, candour, conflict, and insight.
Listen on Spotify or YouTube while revising this section for spaced repetition.

📝 Next Steps

Start with the first lesson:

Maintaining Professional Boundaries →

FAQs

What is Professionalism in the MSRA SJT?
It refers to behaviours that protect patients, maintain honesty, fairness and respect, and follow GMC principles.

Which professionalism behaviours score highest in the MSRA?
Acting safely, escalating concerns, honesty, working within competence, and maintaining boundaries.

How can I revise Professionalism & Integrity for the MSRA?
Learn the core GMC principles, practise ranking questions, avoid common pitfalls, and use frameworks like PEARL.

Are professionalism questions common in the SJT?
Yes — they appear in most MSRA SJT items and significantly influence your final score.