Korean Med Educ Rev.  2021 Jun;23(2):80-89. 10.17496/kmer.2021.23.2.80.

Current  Status  and  Directions  of  Professional  Identity  Formation  in  Medical Education

• Han H
• Suh B

• KMID: 2517337
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17496/kmer.2021.23.2.80

Abstract

Professional identity formation (PIF) is an essential concept in professional education. Many scholars have explored conceptual frameworks of PIF and conducted empirical studies to advance an understanding of the construct in medical education. Despite its importance, it is unclear what educational approaches and assessment practices are actually implemented in medical education settings. Therefore, we conducted a literature review of empirical studies reporting educational practices for medical learners’ PIF. We searched the Web of Science database using keywords and chose 37 papers for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted. Most empirical papers (92%) were from North America and Western Europe and used qualitative research methods, including mixed methods (99%). The papers reported the use of reflection activities and elective courses for specific purposes, such as art as an educational activity. Patient and healthcare experiences were also found to be a central theme in medical learners’ PIF. Through an iterative analysis of the key themes that emerged from the PIF studies, we derived the following key concepts and implications: (1) the importance of creating informal and incidental learning environments, (2) ordinary yet authentic patient experiences, (3) a climate of psychosocial safety in a learning environment embracing individual learners’ background and emotional development, and (4) the reconceptualization of PIF education and assessment. In conclusion, research on PIF should be diversified to include various cultural and social contexts. Theoretical frameworks should also be diversified and developed beyond Kegan’s developmental framework to accommodate the nonlinear and dynamic nature of PIF.

Keyword

Educational activities; Hidden curriculum; Physician identity; Professional development; Self-reflection