ABSTRACT Introduction The construct professionalism is increasingly being recognized as an important component of medical education; fundamental to the physician’s role in society Objective: To group in a concise and systemized way the information available in scientific productions on the concept of medical professionalism and its applications in medical residency programs. Methods A total of 85 articles were found in 2018, of which 13 were excluded for duplication using the Mendeley platform. Of the 72 remaining articles, 35 were excluded for not answering the research question. Of the 37 articles selected for reading of the abstract, eight were not available, leaving 29 articles. After reading all articles for the final selection, 11 articles were excluded. Six papers did not fulfill the goals of the research, and five were opinion articles. Results The production included 18 articles, from which analysis emerged three thematic categories: (a) professionalism: multidimensional construct; (b) teaching of professionalism: role modeling and the curriculum; (c) evaluation of professionalism: multiple strategies in the curriculum. The most frequently cited domains were: altruism, responsibility, care, teamwork, self-control, ethical principles and clinic excellence. Ten articles highlighted the importance of role modeling by preceptors and members of the health team in the Medical Residency Program for teaching professionalism. Regarding the most commonly used strategies for the selection, feedback practices and the OSCE were highlighted in scenarios to evaluate the domains of professionalism. Conclusion Professionalism is a dynamic construct that is worked on in the form of teaching and assessment in Medical Residency Programs. There is no consensus on the professionalism concept, and thus, multiple strategies are used for the teaching, among which role modeling can be highlighted. The teaching of medical professionalism, as a construct, in the training of specialists can reduce lapses and foster assistance based on respect for the autonomy of people and social responsibility.