Are There Gaps in the Perception of Medical Students' Professionalism Between Medical Students and Professors?

Abstract

Purpose: The implementation of medical professionalism education and evaluation is a recent trend in medical education. Although many studies on this subject have been performed, they have focused specifically on the level of medical student professionalism the perception gaps between medical students and professors on this topic are unresolved. This study attempts to determine whether such gaps exist. Methods: Three hundred ninety fourth-year medical students and 250 professors who were randomly selected from 41 medical schools were asked to complete a survey on the level of the professionalism of medical students. Using the 31 core professionalism elements that are required for Korean medical students, students self-assessed their level of professionalism, and the professors evaluated the professionalism level of medical students who were graduating. Results: Of the 31 core elements, significant perception gaps were found in 28 elements. The three domains into which the 31 core elements were divided-professional knowledge, professional skills, and professional attitude-all contained perception gaps, and professors’ ratings generally were higher than those of the students, a noteworthy observation Conclusion: Medical professors need to encourage their students in elevating their professionalism, and what the faculty think they have taught regarding professionalism may not be fully assimilated by students. Further research is necessary to investigate why such gaps exist.