Medical Students’ Perspective about Attributes of Role Models - The Other Side of Story

Abstract

BACKGROUND Role modelling exponentially affects the attitude and behaviours of medical students and act as a key factor in developing professional attributes in them. Medical students observe role models and learn from them more than through formal teaching. This study investigates the determining elements that make a teacher a role model, so that role modelling can be used as an effective educational tool. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study was conducted on fifth year medical students of three medical colleges of Lahore, Pakistan. Fifteen, telephonic, semi structured interviews were included in the study. Thematic analysis was done by manual coding of transcribed interviews. RESULTS A total of 374 codes were generated in the first cycle of coding, that were further merged to 42 in the second cycle. These codes led to 5 subthemes that finally emerged as two themes. The first theme was “Finding ways around their blaring blunders - are we blind?” highlighting the attributes of negative role models which include humiliation of students and juniors, poor teaching and communication skills, lack of empathy for patients and unethical relationship with pharmaceutical industry. The second theme was “Walking the Line” focusing on the components of positive role modelling like formal workplace attire, candid approach in teaching, strategic dealing with students, empathetic attitude towards patients and prioritising fair treatments. CONCLUSIONS Medical education is not only about acquisition of new knowledge and skills but is also about acquiring physician’s character and identity. The study findings suggest that the medical students pay attention to both positive and negative attributes of their teachers and their influence on promoting professionalism and character development. It is suggested that both teachers and administrators should understand the significance of role models and advocate excellence in role modelling. KEY WORDS Role Models, Professional Development, Medical Student, Medical Teacher