The intersection between clinical excellence and role modeling in medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physician Professional Development

Background:

• Role modeling is a crucial element in medical training.
• Prior literature suggests a link between clinical excellence and effective role modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between faculty perceived as clinically excellent and those identified as effective role models.
• To quantify the association between clinical expertise and mentorship in medical education.

Main Methods:

• Two surveys were distributed to faculty and internal medicine residents.
• Participants identified clinically excellent colleagues and faculty role models.
• Spearman correlations and odds ratios analyzed the relationship between peer and trainee nominations.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation (Spearman r = 0.54, P < .001) was found between clinical excellence and role modeling.
• Faculty named as clinically excellent by peers were significantly more likely to be identified as role models by residents (OR, 24.6).
• Thirty faculty members were recognized on both lists, indicating overlap in perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms a strong positive correlation between clinical excellence and role modeling in academic physicians.
• Faculty demonstrating clinical excellence are highly valued as role models by trainees.
• These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and supporting clinically excellent faculty in teaching hospitals.