Professionalism and the traits that demonstrate professionalism are important characteristics in the effective leadership of medical organizations. Certain behaviors associated with the term professionalism are considered necessary and mandatory characteristics in the field of medicine. Additional aspirational behaviors are essential to those in leadership positions. Demonstrated virtues of a true professional include benevolence, honesty, fidelity, courage, compassion, and truthfulness. The leaders of the American Orthopaedic Association should seek candidates for leadership positions who exemplify the following virtues (1, 2, and 3) and demonstrate the following traits (4 through 8): Physicians must ensure that patients are fully informed both prior to treatment and after treatment has occurred. Leaders must deal with colleagues and those who report to them in an honest, forthright, and transparent fashion. This virtue also requires that mistakes and other difficult topics are dealt with in an honest, open fashion. This characteristic is demonstrated by overt behavior that shows a commitment to act in the best interests of the organization and to put personal or other …