Professional identity formation of medical teachers in a non-Western setting

Abstract

Introduction

Understanding and supporting professional identity formation (PIF) among medical teachers has become increasingly important in faculty development programs. In this study, we explored medical teachers’ PIF in Indonesia.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using focus group discussions (FGDs) at four medical schools in Indonesia. Basic science and clinical teachers from four different schools were selected to participate. Data were transcribed, coded, and analysed to develop themes and subthemes.

Results

Seventeen FGDs were completed, involving 60 basic science and 59 clinical teachers. Four major themes regarding the formation of medical teachers’ professional identity emerged: an internal dialogue between intrinsic values and external influences, empowerment through early socialization, experiential workplace learning, and envisioning the future. The PIF process was similar for basic science and clinical teachers.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that PIF among medical teachers in a non-Western setting is a continuous and dynamic process that is shaped by key socialization factors (e.g. role models, workplace learning, peer support), with significant influences from religious beliefs, family values, and societal recognition. Faculty development programs should consider the dynamic and continuous nature of PIF among medical teachers and encourage clinicians and basic scientists to explore their values and beliefs, realize their goals, and envision their future.

Keywords:

• Staff development
• roles of teacher
• professionalism

Ethical approval

We obtained ethical approval from The Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital number KET-1010/UN2.F1/ETIK/PPM.00.02/2019.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Author contributions

The core researchers are faculty from FMUI (MHW, AF, DS, RM, EF, and NG) who designed the study, collected and analysed all data. MHW and AF were in charged in developing and aligning the manuscript overall. DS, RM, NG and EF wrote the Methods and Results. AF and NG managed the research and its funding. Three additional researchers are faculty at other institutions (UK- FMUII, DAS- FMUNIKA Atmajaya, and RNH-FMPHNUGM) who assisted in data collection and enriched the contextual analysis in the manuscript. YS and DDS are international collaborators with expertise in faculty development who provided substantial input during data analysis and manuscript writing.

Glossary

Professional Identity Formation: the integrative developmental process of internalizing a profession’s core values and beliefs, moral principles, and self-awareness.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Grants of International Collaboration, Universitas Indonesia 2018.

Notes on contributors

Mardiastuti H. Wahid

Mardiastuti Wahid, MD, MSc, is an Associate Professor in Medical Education and Clinical Microbiology, Head of postgraduate study program in Clinical Microbiology, and research coordinator in Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Ardi Findyartini

Ardi Findyartini, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medical Education, the current Head of Department of Medical Education and Chair of Medical Education Center-Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Diantha Soemantri

Diantha Soemantri, MD, MMedEd, PhD is an Associate Professor of Medical Education, the current Head of Master Program in Medical Education, and Vice Director of Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Rita Mustika

Rita Mustika, MD, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer of Medical Education, the current community service coordinator in Department of Medical Education, the current Chair of Medical Education Collaboration Cluster, and core researcher in Medical Education Center – Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Estivana Felaza

Estivana Felaza, MD, is a Senior Lecturer of Medical Education, the current finance and administration coordination, the current Secretary of Master Program in Medical Education- Department of Medical Education, and core researcher in Medical Education Center- Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Yvonne Steinert

Yvonne Steinert, PhD., is a Professor of Family Medicine and Health Sciences Education, former director of the Institute of Health Sciences Education, and the Richard and Sylvia Cruess Chair in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Dujeepa D. Samarasekera

Dujeepa D. Samarasekera, MBBS, MHPE, FAMS, FRCP(Edin), is a Senior Director of Centre for Medical Education and Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning at National University of Singapore. He is the current President of Western Pacific Association for Medical Education.

Nadia Greviana

Nadia Greviana, DDS, is a Lecturer at Department of Medical Education and core researcher in Medical Education Center – Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia.

Rachmadya Nur Hidayah

Rachmadya Nur Hidayah, MD, MMedEd, is a Senior Lecturer of Medical and Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Umatul Khoiriyah

Umatul Khoiriyah, MD, MMedEd, Ph.D, is a Senior Lecturer in Department of Medical Education and the current Head of Undergraduate Study Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Daniel Ardian Soeselo

Daniel Ardian Soeselo, MD, is a Senior Lecturer of General Surgery and Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atmajaya Catholic University, Jakarta, Indonesia.