Medical students' attitudes to professionalism: an opportunity for the GP tutor?

Objectives: Using a novel tool based on General Medical Council (GMC) standards, this cross-sectional survey aimed to assess UK medical students' professional attitudes at different stages of the curriculum, and to investigate the influence of the hidden curriculum on these attitudes through exposure to unprofessional behaviour during the medical course.

Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was developed, reflecting core professional competences outlined in Good Medical Practice. First, third and fifth year students received Section 1: 'Attitudes to professionalism'; third and fifth year students also received Section 2: 'Exposure to unprofessional behaviour'.