The impact of positive doctor role modeling

Abstract

Background: Role modeling has been highlighted as an important teaching and learning strategy. The aim of this research study was to explore the influences and impact of positive doctor role modelling in twenty-first century medical education.

Methods: This study was part of a larger study investigating the process of positive doctor role modeling in medical education. This study used focus group interviews with 52 medical students, semi-structured interviews with 25 consultants and interviews after clinics with five consultants and five medical students. A qualitative methodology using the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin was then used to explore the impact of modeling in medical education.

Results: Three main outcomes of role modeling were identified – the development of professional behaviors, the development of professional identity, and the shaping of career aspirations.

Conclusion: This study illustrates the powerful, often subconscious impact of doctor role modeling in medical education. This research illustrates that role models are critically important in the professional development, character development, and career development of the modelees. In this way, role modeling effectively enhances the transformation of the student to a doctor.

Glossary

Role model: A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. www.oxforddictionaries.com

A modelee: The individual being influenced by the modeling process (as defined in this article).

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Professor Ed Peile for his support and advice throughout the research study.

Disclosure statement

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

Ethical approval

NHS REC ethical approval for the study was obtained.

Notes on contributors

Dr. Vimmi Passi, PhD, is a General Practitioner with a research interest in medical professionalism.

Professor Neil Johnson, MD, is the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster.