Responsibly managing students' learning experiences in student-run clinics: a virtues-based ethical framework.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Bioethics
• Public Health

Background:

• Student-run clinics (SRCs) are increasingly common in medical schools, offering distinct clinical and learning experiences.
• Generalist physicians often lead these clinics, which involve students in significant administrative and direct patient care roles.
• SRCs serve a medically indigent, vulnerable patient population, presenting complex ethical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical challenges inherent in student learning experiences within SRCs.
• To propose an ethical framework for professional formation in SRC settings.
• To highlight the importance of developing specific professional virtues for effective patient care in SRCs.

Main Methods:

• This study involves a conceptual analysis and ethical framework development.
• It examines the unique patient population and student roles within SRCs.
• It draws upon established principles of medical ethics and professional development.

Main Results:

• SRCs exemplify the ethical complexities of caring for vulnerable, medically indigent patients.
• Students in SRCs undertake substantial administrative and direct care responsibilities.
• The learning environment in SRCs necessitates explicit attention to ethical considerations.

Conclusions:

• Valued learning opportunities in SRCs should integrate professional formation.
• Developing virtues such as integrity, compassion, and courage is essential.
• Faculty mentorship is key in role-modeling these virtues for students.