The hidden hurdles of clinical clerkship: unraveling the types and distribution of professionalism dilemmas among South Korean medical students

Background To improve the medical professionalism of medical students, it is essential to understand the dilemmas they face in various situations. This study explored the types and distribution of dilemmas Korean medical students encounter during their clinical clerkships. It then compared these with previous dilemma frameworks and identified the types and distribution of “complexity dilemmas,” wherein two dilemma themes emerge in a single clinical situation. Methods The researchers organized and recorded a group discussion with 106 third-year medical students who had completed their clinical clerkships. These students participated in the discussion as part of an assignment, focusing on the dilemmas they encountered during their clerkships. For data analysis and visualization, the researchers employed the MAXQDA software program and utilized the template analysis method, a qualitative research methodology. Results A total of seven dilemma themes and sixteen sub-themes were identified. The identity-related dilemma concerning student-doctors had the highest frequency. The themes “mismatch” and “Nun-chi” emerged as new additions not found in previous dilemma frameworks. The complexity dilemmas appeared in the sequence of “identity-dignity,” “identity-abuse,” and “identity-consent”. Conclusions To navigate the unique dilemmas present within South Korea’s clinical culture, several key issues need consideration: elevating the role of student-doctors, balancing the primary emphasis of educational hospitals on delivering medical services, and understanding interpersonal strategies, such as “Nun-chi”.