Medical Students’ Perspectives on Professionalism: A Phenomenological Study from a Medical School in Southern Philippines

Abstract

Professionalism in relation to the medical profession is up to now debatable of what it really means. The study aimed to explore the perspectives of the medical students on professionalism. The phenomenological research was conducted in one of the medical schools in Southern Philippines with 24 national medical students, 12 were in their third year and the other half were in their fourth-year level.  Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study generated 16 themes. Based on the identified themes, it showed that the medical students already recognized specific and fundamental knowledge in professionalism. It gradually increased as they entered the clinical environment. All participants highlighted clinical decorum and fundamental values. The increasing trend of undesirable behaviors observed during their clinical years is correlated with their prolonged exposures. The implication of the findings revealed that professionalism should be strengthened and reinforced through actual practice and role modeling among faculty members, administrative staff, and clinical preceptors. Evaluation and practice through simulation and objective structured clinical evaluation can also be done. The lifetime commitment and stringent conformity to the medical code of ethics and professional conduct must be reiterated and role-modeled.

Keywords: Medicine, professionalism, lived experiences, medical students, phenomenology, thematic analysis, Philippines

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-6-08

Publication date: February 28^th 2023