A Study of Core Humanistic Competency for Developing Humanism Education for Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Humanities in Medicine
• Professionalism in Healthcare

Background:

• Essential humanistic competencies are crucial for medical students.
• Effective teaching methods for these attributes require identification.
• Current perceptions of student competency levels need assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey essential humanistic competencies for medical students.
• To identify effective teaching methods for developing these competencies.
• To evaluate current student possession of these essential qualities.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to medical professors, students, parents, and staff.
• Nine custom-designed questions assessed essential qualities and teaching methods.
• Participants included 154 professors, 589 students, 228 parents, and 161 staff.

Main Results:

• Morality, accountability, communication, and empathy were deemed essential.
• Students were perceived to have high morality and accountability, but low empathy and communication skills.
• Extracurricular activities like volunteer services and debates were preferred teaching methods.

Conclusions:

• Humanism education is positively viewed, but resistance exists towards credited courses.
• Faculty training and innovative teaching methods are necessary for effective humanism education.
• Participation-based grading is preferred over relative evaluation for humanism courses.