Professional ethical competence for medical students: a qualitative study

Introduction: Regarding the great responsibility maintained by medical students, it is required to qualify ethical competence in addition to clinical competence. There is no consensus on professional ethics competence characteristics of medical students as this notion relies upon the context and may go under the influence of several cultural, religious, and social factors. Purpose: This research is conducted focusing on educators’ realization of professional ethics competence qualifications in medical students. Methodology: This is a qualitative study. In this regard, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by 15 medical educators. Research data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis through Graneheim and Lundmen method. Findings: Data analysis showed three main classes: belief and respect for values, beneficence, and moral character (integrity, altruism and (self) discipline. Discussion and Conclusion: Professional ethics competence of medical students is not only defined by professional values, but also by respecting cultural and religious values and beliefs in community and patients. In addition, cooperation and teamwork, as well as Moral character are of characteristics of a medical student with ethical competence. Thus, it is recommended that medical curriculums focus on training professional values, enhancing teamwork, and moral character.