Dealing with negative role modelling in shaping professional physician: an exploratory study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professionalism Studies
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Medical teachers serve as crucial role models in shaping student professionalism.
• Negative role modelling by educators can hinder the development of essential professional attributes in medical students.
• Understanding the dynamics of negative role modelling is vital for effective medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the phenomenon of negative role modelling by medical teachers.
• To investigate its influence on the development of medical professionalism among students.
• To identify strategies for mitigating negative role modelling in medical training.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing transcendental phenomenology.
• Conducted at Tanjungpura University, Indonesia, involving medical students, teachers, alumni, and programme managers.
• Data collected via focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, analysed using thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: the role of the medical teacher, the process of role modelling, and nurturing medical professionalism.
• Negative role modelling by medical teachers was identified as a prevalent issue in professionalism development.
• Both positive and negative role modelling were found to influence the cultivation of medical professionalism.

Conclusions:

• Negative role modelling is a significant factor in medical professionalism development.
• A more proactive and structured process is necessary to effectively develop professionalism and counteract negative influences.
• Interventions targeting role modelling are essential for enhancing medical education outcomes.