Beyond the White Coat: Unveiling the Dynamic Role of Personality in Medical Education

authors:

avatar Nazanin Shamaeian Razavi ORCID 1 , avatar Haniye Mastour ORCID 2 , *

Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shiraz E-Medical Journal: Vol.25, issue 8; e146414
published online: August 12, 2024
article type: Letter
received: March 16, 2024
revised: May 27, 2024
accepted: June 23, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/semj-146414

how to cite: Shamaeian Razavi N, Mastour H. Beyond the White Coat: Unveiling the Dynamic Role of Personality in Medical Education. Shiraz E-Med J. 2024;25(8):e146414. https://doi.org/10.5812/semj-146414.

Dear Editor,

Personality, a complex construct, significantly impacts medical education and patient care, extending beyond medical knowledge and technical skills to include enduring traits, behaviors, and characteristics such as communication style, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. Understanding personality is essential for medical students' educational journeys (1-3).

The AMEE Guide No. 79 emphasizes the crucial role of personality in physician performance, encompassing diverse social, cultural, and personality factors. It advocates strongly for the evaluation of traits like conscientiousness and empathy to assess their impact on professional and academic success (1). Furthermore, these traits significantly shape leadership styles and effectiveness, influencing collaborative efforts and positive patient outcomes (4, 5). Effective leadership, regardless of formal titles, relies on qualities that enhance patient care and foster cohesive teamwork (6, 7).

Despite its importance, personality has been largely overlooked in medical education. While some evidence suggests that personality traits may influence medical specialty choice, academic performance, learning styles, and attitudes toward interprofessional education, there is no consensus on how personality should be measured, assessed, and integrated into the curriculum and practice of medical education (8-12). Integrating personality aspects into the medical curriculum involves developing modules focused on self-awareness, communication skills, and empathy, all essential for patient-centered care. Problem-based learning and reflective practices encourage students to understand the impact of their personality traits on patient interactions. Continuous assessment and feedback mechanisms help students recognize and cultivate the personal attributes necessary for effective medical practice. Additionally, personality assessments during the admission phase can assist in selecting candidates with traits predictive of success in medical training and practice (13-15).

The assessment of personality traits is beneficial and necessary in medical education. These traits can influence career success and satisfaction among physicians. Different medical specialties require distinct personality traits and skills, and emotional intelligence can significantly improve collaboration and patient-centered care (1, 3, 13, 15-21).

Traditionally, medical education focuses on knowledge acquisition and technical skill development, often sidelining aspects like personality assessment. Curriculum constraints and the need to cover extensive medical knowledge and clinical skills can lead to the neglect of non-academic aspects. Some educators and institutions may not be fully aware of the benefits and relevance of personality assessment in medical education. They may lack specific training on integrating personality assessment into the curriculum or may be unfamiliar with appropriate assessment tools (1, 8, 9, 21-24).

In conclusion, the role of personality in medical education is undeniable. Personality assessments can provide valuable insights into medical students' potential for success, well-being, and professionalism. By acknowledging the role of personality in medical education, institutions can develop comprehensive curricula and support structures that nurture both the intellectual and interpersonal growth of future healthcare professionals. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of personality in shaping the compassionate, patient-centered care that is the cornerstone of effective medical practice (23-25).

It is important to note that personality assessment should not be used in isolation or as the sole determinant of a student's capabilities or future success (2, 8, 9). It should be integrated into a comprehensive approach that includes other factors such as academic performance, clinical skills, and professional ethics. Moreover, personality assessment should be conducted ethically, focusing on personal growth and development rather than labeling or limiting individuals (1, 3, 10, 11).

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