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Explores the concept of profession in relation to the occupational group known as health promotion officers and examines the question of whether it is appropriate or desirable for health promotion officers to seek to become professionals. Suggests that although the status of a profession initially appears to be desirable for the health promotion officer, such status can carry with it unwanted characteristics such as protectionism and élitism. Concludes that health promotion specialists need to strike a balance between those professional characteristics that are desirable and positive, while avoiding the negative attributes of professions which could seriously undermine the whole purpose and philosophy underpinning the health promotion officer′s role.