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Professional Identity Formation Metaphors: Old Problems and New Promises.

Lara Varpio1,2, Marije van Braak3, Anne de la Croix4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, US.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Two common metaphors hinder professional identity formation (PIF) in medical education. Reframing PIF as "functional crafting" promotes individuality and diversity, moving beyond outdated "journey" and "mold" concepts.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Professional Identity Formation
  • Sociology of Professions

Background:

  • Scholarly understanding of professional identity formation (PIF) persists despite literature challenging common metaphors.
  • Metaphors like PIF IS A JOURNEY and PIF INVOLVES FITTING INTO A MOLD obstruct progress in PIF discourse.
  • These metaphors overlook diverse learner backgrounds and impose conformity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critique the enduring metaphors of PIF in medical education.
  • To propose a new metaphor, PIF AS FUNCTIONAL CRAFTING, that better supports diverse professional identities.
  • To explore how this new metaphor aligns with subjectification and promotes flexibility.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of existing PIF literature in medical education.
  • Critique of the "PIF IS A JOURNEY" metaphor using Appadurai's theories of aspiration.
  • Critique of the "PIF INVOLVES FITTING INTO A MOLD" metaphor regarding conformity and individuality.
  • Proposal and theoretical grounding of the "PIF AS FUNCTIONAL CRAFTING" metaphor.

Main Results:

  • The "PIF IS A JOURNEY" metaphor neglects pre-matriculation experiences and diverse aspiration pathways.
  • The "PIF INVOLVES FITTING INTO A MOLD" metaphor unfairly blames individuals for cultural dissonance and limits diversity.
  • A new metaphor, PIF AS FUNCTIONAL CRAFTING, is proposed to balance standardization with individuality.

Conclusions:

  • The "journey" and "mold" metaphors are inadequate for understanding contemporary professional identity formation in medicine.
  • "PIF AS FUNCTIONAL CRAFTING" offers a more inclusive and adaptable framework.
  • This new perspective supports personalized professional identities, respects diversity, and encourages flexibility.