[Role models of residents graduating in family medicine and in different specialties in Quebec]

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the role models of Quebec residents graduating from French-language faculties of family medicine and from medical specialities. DESIGN: Survey by mail. PARTICIPANTS: Quebec residents graduating in family medicine (189), medical specialities (147), and surgical specialities (64) in 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of models chosen, social, demographic, professional, and personal characteristics of primary role models, role models' influence on students. RESULTS: Role models chosen by family medicine graduates more closely resemble those of their medical speciality colleagues than those of their surgical speciality colleagues. Family medicine graduates, particularly female graduates, have more difficulty choosing models. Their choices are based mainly on qualities that reflect a biopsychosocial approach to care and concern with the community aspects of medical practice. CONCLUSION: Choosing role models is a complex process. Medical faculty in residency programs play an important role in the professional identity of future physicians.