Role Modeling in Medical Education Training

Several reports show a shortage of primary care physicians in the US, and it seems likely to worsen as the population continues to grow and age. Therefore, it is critical to train the next generation of physicians and healthcare providers to effectively meet the needs of the US population. Alongside this structural challenge, the medical profession is also confronting a cultural one—an erosion of professionalism characterized by declining responsibility, integrity, and communication (Foster, 2019). In teaching and training resident physicians and medical students, some of these skills can be taught, but these skills are usually better “caught” than taught. This chapter presents two physicians' personal experiences in medical education. It discusses the significance of role modeling and best practices for effectively transmitting professionalism, competence, and communication to the next generation of resident physicians, medical students, and healthcare providers.