Introduction:

Assessing professionalism represents a challenge for medical educators given the nature of its construct, which comprises diverse values, beliefs, and principles. Understanding this psychological phenomenon is fundamental for reaching the goals in medical education.

Objective:

This study aimed to translate into Brazilian Portuguese and to validate the Penn State College of Medicine Professionalism Questionnaire.

Method:

The questionnaire was translated, and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese using data from 249 medical students. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, using a polychoric matrix and the Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares method of extraction. The following model adequacy indexes and criteria were used: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) adjustment indexes <0.08, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) >0.90.

Result:

The exploratory factor analysis obtained a KMO = 0.920, and a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity (2719.0, gl = 630; P <0.001). The parallel analysis yielded a three-factor solution, which showed adequate levels of reliability: Professional-Patient Relationship, Professional Development and Ethical Commitment. The three-factor solution was the best one found to represent the data.

Conclusion:

The questionnaire evidenced good psychometric properties and appropriateness to evaluate medical students’ professionalism, contributing to reach more desirable ethical standards in medical education.

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