Brown, MEL, Lim, JH, Horsburgh, J et al. (7 more authors) (2022) Identity Development in Disorientating Times: the Experiences of Medical Students During COVID-19. Medical Science Educator, 32 (5). pp. 995-1004. ISSN 2156-8650
Abstract
Introduction
Professional identity development is a central aim of medical education, which has been disrupted during COVID-19. Yet, no research has qualitatively explored COVID-19’s impact across institutions or countries on medical students’ identities. Kegan proposes a cognitive model of identity development, where ‘disorientating dilemmas’ prompt student development. Given the potential of COVID-related disruption to generate disorientating dilemmas, the authors investigated the ways in which COVID-19 influenced students’ identity development.
Methods
The authors conducted an international qualitative study with second year medical students from Imperial College London, and third year students from Melbourne Medical School. Six focus groups occurred 2020–2021, with three to six students per group. Authors analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis, applying Kegan’s model as a sensitising theoretical lens.
Results
COVID-19 has resulted in a loss of clinical exposure, loss of professional relationships, and a shift in public perception of physicians. Loss of exposure to clinical practice removed the external validation from patients and seniors many students depended on for identity development. Students’ experiences encouraged them to assume the responsibilities of the profession and the communities they served, in the face of conflicting demands and risk. Acknowledging and actioning this responsibility facilitated identity development as a socially responsible advocate.
Conclusions
Educators should consider adapting medical education to support students through Kegan’s stages of development. Measures to foster relationships between students, patients, and staff are likely necessary. Formal curricula provisions, such as spaces for reflection and opportunities for social responsibility, may aid students in resolving the conflict many have recently experienced.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2022. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | Professional identity; COVID-19; Medical education; Kegan |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > Medicine & Health Faculty Office (Leeds) > Faculty Office Functions (FOMH) (Leeds) > Dean's Office (FOMH) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 01 Feb 2023 11:20 |
Last Modified: | 01 Feb 2023 11:20 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s40670-022-01592-z |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:195799 |