Exploring clinical educators' perceptions of role modeling after participating in a role modeling educational...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professional Development
• Healthcare Professions Education

Background:

• Role modeling is crucial for shaping medical students' values, attitudes, and professional behaviors.
• Clinical educators often lack sufficient knowledge regarding the impact of their role modeling.
• Understanding educators' perceptions is key to improving role modeling effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore clinical educators' perceptions of role modeling.
• To assess the impact of a role modeling educational program on educators' perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 18 clinical educators.
• A three-month role modeling educational program.
• Data collected via reflection papers and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Main Results:

• Educators showed increased attention to and promotion of role modeling.
• Participants made deliberate efforts to improve their role modeling behaviors.
• Focus shifted towards creating positive environments to enhance role modeling effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Clinical educators benefit from targeted educational programs to enhance role modeling knowledge and skills.
• Programs should foster awareness, self-reflection, and the deliberate application of role modeling principles.
• Improving role modeling is essential for positive professional development in medical students.