Abstract
BackgroundThe importance of cultivating a humanistic physician has gained attention in medical education. Humanistic values are established in early education and medical schools should provide a suitable environment to nurture and grow these values into professional identity. The clinical setting has a significant impact due to its direct involvement of students in real-life situations.ObjectivesThe present study aims to explore the hurdles in cultivating humanistic physicians in the clinical setting.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study involving medical students in the clinical phase, as well as residents, clinical teachers, and module administrators in the clinical setting under study.ResultsRespondents from different groups of stakeholders shared the same definition for ‘humanistic physician’: a physician who provides patient-centred care while demonstrating empathy, respect, compassion, integrity, knowledge, competence and a collaborative spirit. Despite changes in the healthcare system and technological advancements, humanistic physicians are still needed.ConclusionCultivating humanistic physicians is a complex process, requiring various methods and assessments. Role models play a significant role in this process, which included not only clinical teachers but also peers. Feedback from peers was perceived as an important factor. The key hurdles identified were negative role models, and a less humanistic learning environment and the students’ personal backgrounds.
Highlights
The profession of physician is one that requires both ‘the head and the heart.’ The head refers to the physician’s biomedical and clinical knowledge and skills, while the heart represents the art of caring (1)
Role models play a significant role in this process, which included clinical teachers and peers
Themes identified via data analysis included descriptions and the need for humanistic physicians in today’s society; how to cultivate humanistic physicians in the clinical setting; role modelling and mentoring; and the hurdles in cultivating humanistic physicians in the clinical setting
Summary
The profession of physician is one that requires both ‘the head and the heart.’ The head refers to the physician’s biomedical and clinical knowledge and skills, while the heart represents the art of caring (1). The head refers to the physician’s biomedical and clinical knowledge and skills, while the heart represents the art of caring (1). Physicians apply their knowledge and skills to solve patients’ health problems. The relationship between physicians and patients is based on trust, as patients come to physicians because they believe that physicians have the necessary knowledge and expertise to cure their diseases. There has recently been concern that physicians are becoming less humanistic (3), for which the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies in medicine is considered to be a primary reason. Advanced technological devices have changed the relationship between physicians and patients in the clinical setting. The importance of cultivating a humanistic physician has gained attention in medical education. Humanistic values are established in early education and medical schools should provide a suitable environment to nurture and grow these values into professional identity. The clinical setting has a significant impact due to its direct involvement of students in real-life situations
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