Inconsistent role modeling of professionalism in family medicine residency: Resident perspectives from 2 Ontario sites.

OBJECTIVE

To explore how family medicine (FM) residents experience role modeling of professionalism by FM preceptors.

DESIGN

Qualitative design using semistructured, one-on-one interviews.

SETTING

Two FM teaching units at the University of Toronto in Ontario.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixteen first- and second-year FM residents.

METHODS

This study employed a qualitative description design. The CanMEDS-Family Medicine 2009 framework was used to help design interview questions. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and themes were developed.

MAIN FINDINGS

Some residents described insufficient experience with role modeling in general. Two main findings were that a longitudinal relationship with a role model was important and that residents desired a close working relationship with a role model in a clinical setting. Most participants could identify experiences with role modeling of ethical practice; many examples were in the context of challenging patients. Some, but not all, residents could identify experiences with role modeling of profession-led regulation and reflective practice. Of note, there were mixed responses with respect to role modeling a commitment to personal health.

CONCLUSION

Reassuringly, many FM residents described experiences with positive role modeling of professionalism. However, some residents believed that role modeling was limited by the brevity of their interactions with potential role models. To optimize the effect of role modeling, educators should support opportunities for residents to develop close, longitudinal working relationships with faculty.