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. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.