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Changes in themes over time from medical student journaling
William Cayley1, Rae Schilling, Ralph Suechting
1University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine at the Eau Claire Family Medicine Residency, USA. bcayley@yahoo.com
WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|February 2, 2008
Summary
Medical student journals reveal consistent and evolving themes over time, including professional identity, patient relationships, and career choices. These reflections offer insights into medical education and practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Reflective Practice
Background:
- Limited research exists on journaling's role in medical student education.
- Journaling is an under-explored pedagogical tool for medical trainees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and document recurring themes in medical students' reflective journals.
- To analyze changes and consistencies in these themes throughout their training.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of weekly journals from third-year primary care medical students.
- Faculty evaluation of journals from 1994-1996 and 2001-2003 to track thematic evolution.
Main Results:
- Key themes included gender dynamics, professional identity formation, career aspirations, and rural practice.
- Students reflected on the learning process, patient interactions, and the nature of medical practice.
- Prominent themes such as gender issues and rural practice were consistently observed.
Conclusions:
- Medical student journal themes exhibit both stability and change over time.
- Shifts in themes correlate with external factors like educational trends and societal changes.
- Increased focus on reflective practice and evolving demographics influence student reflections.
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