In 2023, doctors in England voted to take strike action, which has had far-reaching impacts on the National
Health Service and, in turn, provision of medical education.
“Professional Values and Behaviours” encompasses concepts such as professional identity, quality
healthcare systems and medical ethics and law. It equips medical students with the skills to navigate the
uncertain environment that they will be working within, including the decision whether to take part in
strike action.

This article outlines the challenges presented by industrial action for teaching Professional Values and
Behaviours, on both a theoretical and practical level. In the context of widespread unrest within the medical
profession, this article may be of interest to those designing and delivering undergraduate curricula in
medical professionalism.