Fostering Reflection and Empathy: The Impact of Book Discussions on Medical Students' Education

Medical education has traditionally emphasized biomedical knowledge and technical skills; however, developing humanistic competencies, such as empathy, ethical reasoning, and communication, is equally important. Integrating the humanities and social sciences into medical curricula has been proposed as a means of fostering these competencies. Book discussion groups provide an interactive learning environment that encourages reflection, critical thinking, and engagement with diverse perspectives. Despite growing interest, limited research has examined the specific benefits of such discussions in medical education. This study investigates the impact of a book discussion group involving medical students and faculty members on participants' perspectives, communication skills, and understanding of ethical and social issues.

A qualitative study was conducted at the Tottori University Faculty of Medicine from June 2020 to May 2022. A total of 19 book discussion sessions were held, with each session attended by one to nine students. Participants were required to read an assigned book before attending a 90- to 120-minute discussion, conducted primarily online. After each session, participants completed an anonymous online survey with open-ended questions about their experiences. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes.

Six major themes emerged from the analysis: 1) exposure to diverse perspectives, 2) deepened personal reflection and articulation of thoughts, 3) enhanced understanding of complex themes, 4) creation of a psychologically safe discussion environment, 5) increased awareness of social and ethical issues, and 6) enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. Participants reported that the discussions helped them refine their critical thinking, broaden their viewpoints, and feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts.

Book discussions serve as a valuable complement to traditional medical education by fostering reflection, empathy, and ethical awareness. Incorporating such initiatives into medical curricula may enhance students' nontechnical competencies, ultimately contributing to the development of well-rounded, socially conscious physicians.