The perspective of medical students regarding the roles and characteristics of a clinical role model

Abstract

BackgroundAs medical students spend most of their time with their clinical teachers and imitate their roles and characteristics during the school year, it is important to identify the roles and characteristics that they find essential in their role models. These traits play a part in their future professions as doctors.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the perspective of students, interns, and residents regarding the roles and characteristics of a clinical role model.MethodsIn an analytical cross-sectional study, a structured and self-developed questionnaire was completed by 185 medical students at educational hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences during April and May 2015. Participants were selected using convenience sampling method. For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS software version 16 was used as needed.ResultsIn total, 90 medical students (48.7%), 65 interns (35.1%), and 30 residents (16.2%) participated in this study. Male respondents (n=75) comprised 40.5% and female respondents (n=110) 59.5% of the study sample. The three most important roles of a clinical teacher were organizer role (99.7), teacher role (101.7), and supporter role (109.5) for students, interns, and residents respectively. On the other hand, supporter role (85.4), communicator role (86.4) and organizer role (83.4) were ranked as the least important for students, interns, and residents respectively. There was no significant association among the three batches and the roles of a clinical teacher (p>0.05). Conversely, Females rated the roles of a clinical teacher significantly higher than males (p<0.05).ConclusionsAs teachers are frequently perceived by students as role models in medical schools, great attention should be given to their roles. Teachers must be aware that their roles have an impact on students’ professional development and performance.

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Challenges and Problems of Clinical Medical Education in Iran: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…One of the most important aspects in this regard is the role that clinical teachers play in teaching students because their professional behaviors are monitored by students and students expect their professors to be responsible in their professional interactions and have appropriate professional communication with their students, patients, and other health care providers (88).…”

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“…The fifth challenge was related to medical teachers. In this category, issues including negative role models,[ 33 34 35 ] lack of sufficient skills for teaching,[ 4 5 18 22 27 31 ] inaccessibility to teachers,[ 27 ] teaching based on desire,[ 26 27 ] and lack of motivation[ 5 21 24 ] were also expressed in other studies. High workload and different teacher responsibilities[ 1 4 17 ] were mentioned in other researches which are in line with our investigation.…”