Characteristics of a Good Clinic al Teacher as Perceived by Medical Residents: A Qualitative Study

Given that clinical education is at the heart of medical education, it is also very important to pay attention to the efficiency of clinical teaching and a good clinical teacher. Clinical instructors often play both educational and therapeutic roles at the same time, and they must be empowered enough to not only do the right thing, but also to show and explain to students how to do it. The aim of this study was to explain the characteristics of a good clinical teacher based on the experiences of medical residents.

In this study, 14 medical assistants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview. Coding and data analysis were performed using MAXQDA 2012. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data.

In continuous and rotational analysis of the data, 60 codes were finally obtained, which were divided into 10 subcategories and 3 main categories. Based on the experiences of assistants participating in the study, help and support, nurturing, counseling and guidance, role model, morality, patient care, scientific expertise, clinical skills, educational management, and teaching experience were expressed as the main characteristics of a good clinical teacher that were classified in three categories of supporter and mentor, ethics model, and wise instructor.

In this study, the characteristics of a good clinical teacher were identified with more depth. By paying attention to the results of the study, clinical professors can have a comprehensive plan to acquire these characteristics, and while empowering themselves, help to promote clinical education and community health.