Postgraduate year two medical residents' awareness of personal development as a physician during management of inpatients: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background Physicians need to possess not only clinical knowledge and skills, but also appropriate communication with patients and other healthcare professionals, as well as professionalism. Physicians in training should naturally develop these competencies and should strive to do so. Describing their development process is very important. Previous research has shown that experience, helping relationships and reflection are key to personal development. However, few studies have shown which experiences are important for personal growth and how medical residents specifically use their experiences for personal growth. The aim of this study was to identify from the residents' perspective which clinical experiences contribute to their personal development. Method A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with Japanese post-graduate year two medical residents working at a teaching hospital. Interviews were transcribed in interview memos, anonymized, and coded inductively. General themes were identified. Results Ten medical residents participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 26 to 30 years, five were women and five were men. They had various backgrounds to aspiring departments. Autonomy and responsibility in clinical management were shown to be essential points for personal development as a physician. Autonomy was defined as the attitude of making one's own choices when managing patients. Responsibility is the ability to oblige the resident to take charge of a patient. Conclusion Medical residents develop themselves through successful clinical experiences with autonomy in decision-making and a sense of responsibility for patient care. The realization of what experiences and concepts influence medical residents’ personal growth and development will make their personal development more effective. Clinical training for medical residents will be better if the clinical experience with autonomy and responsibility is successfully incorporated within the clinical education setting.