The autor discusses the crisis concerning education and professional life for doctors and surgeons making a review of contemporary data concerning professional epidemiology. We reflect on the modern ethical and social references to the medical profession. There is a decline in medical schools preparing doctors and surgeons, and a progressive ¨feminization¨ of the profession. Young professionals want quality of life and professional autonomy as their main professional objectives. Burn-out syndromes are common between doctors, and loss of professional autonomy may be the main cause of the disease. The crisis that attains the medical profession in our days has been ethical, social and financial roots. It is essential to discuss new paradigms in medical education and professional routine, concerning the modern society.
Education, medical; Surgery; Schools, medical; Students, Medical