Attitudes of Graduating Medical Students toward Relevant Aspects of Medical Practice

Abstract: The attitudes of graduating medical students towards six relevant aspects of medical practice went measured for 4 consecutive years using a previously validated scale. Since the 4 classes of students were subject to two different curricula, the effect of a curricular reform on students attitudes was also assessed. Attitudes were measured with a 5-point Likert scale containing 52 items covering six different factors. Since there were no consistente differences between the 4 classes of graduating students the results were pooled so as to correspond to a sample of 317 subjects. Graduatings students showing predominantly positive attitudes toward 1) emotional issues involved in organic diseases; 2) primary care; and 3) other aspects of medical work in the community. On the other hand, results revealed undefined or conflicting attitudes towards: 4) mental diseases; 5) management of situations related to death; and 6) the physician's role in medical research. Predominantly positive attitudes toward 3 out of the 6 aspectos assessed indicate that the relevant educational objectives are being reached. Lack of any significant effect of the curricular reform on student attitudes suggested that the detected attitudinal trends may reflect values that are deeply rooted in medical school culture. However, lack of positive attitudes towards some of the aspects evaluated suggests the reed for specific educational interventions.