Generation gaps in medical education: An exploratory qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Sociology of Education
• Intergenerational Studies

Background:

• Generation gaps can impact professional interactions and learning environments.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective medical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of medical students regarding the generation gap with senior teachers (>55 years) in Japan.
• To identify key factors contributing to this intergenerational divide in medical education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews with 28 millennial medical students.
• Content analysis of transcribed discussions on daily life, studies, and work-life balance.

Main Results:

• Four categories of generation gap identified: sociocultural backgrounds, educational media/information speed, values, and communication challenges.
• These findings align with previous research on intergenerational differences.

Conclusions:

• Senior medical educators must acknowledge and address identified generation gap factors.
• Tailoring teaching approaches based on these insights can enhance educational effectiveness.