Analysis of Role Modeling Experiences and Reflection Level of Fourth‐Year Medical Students at a Single Medical College: A Focus on the Clinical Clerkship

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the subjects, situations, and reflection levels related to role modeling experienced by medical students during their clinical clerkship and their own reflections. This study intends to suggest ways of improving how residents and clinical faculty should treat and teach medical students. Written interviews were conducted regarding senior medical students’ role modeling experiences during their clinical clerkships in 2018 and 2019. Content analysis was conducted for a total of 224 cases from 196 students. Content analysis revealed three types of role modeling content: subjects (faculty, residents, nurses, peer students), situations (clinical competence, personal qualities, teaching skills), and the level of reflection (critical reflection, reflection, thoughtful action, and habitual action) in each case. As role model subjects, faculty were found to be the paramount role model (n=142, 62.83%). Role modeling was the most frequently performed for clinical competence (n=103, 45.98%). Clinical competence was frequently shown in communication and empathic listening during rounds and outpatient relationships between the patient and doctor. Regarding the level of reflection for role modeling, the number of critical reflections was 86 (38.39%) and that of reflections was 80 (35.71%). In particular, negative role modeling showed a high level of critical reflection in relation to faculty (64.44%) and nurses (8.89%). In conclusion, role modeling of medical students participating in clinical clerkships occurs in situations that the role models are not aware of, with positive or negative effects on the formation of professional identity among medical students.