Ritualism in Medical Education: A grounded theory study based on view and experience of medical students at Zone 5 of the country

Medical education is one of the most important issues in current changing conditions which mainly addresses medical students. The purpose of this study was to extract the underlying theory of medical education in Iran based on the perspective and experiences of the medical students.

This was a qualitative study. The data were collected by semi-structured interview and focused group with 43 medical students at Zone 5 of the country (Shiraz, Yasouj, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Fasa).  Stress and Corbin (2006) grounded theory method was used for data analysis.

The results of the research showed that the students are not satisfied with the current trend in medical education. The main points about the quality of medical education were: hospitalization, theory based method, authoritarianism, alienation, and structural problems. Ritualism in medical education was another finding of the present study, which means the educational system is more concentrated on educational tools rather than its objectives. This ritualism has led to the reproduction of authoritarianism and alienation of medical students that cannot meet the current needs of the students, medical institutions, and society.

The current medical education institution is far from the educational needs of the students. This requires structural reform according to the needs of students and at a higher level based on health needs of the society. In conclusion, moving toward community-based education, medical needs, and increasing the quality of education are recommended.