What do Medical Students Post Online? Perception on Medical Professionalism in Social Media among Medical Students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

The fast development and accessibility of social media has created an important potential for improvements in the medical field. However, it may also increase the risk of unprofessional conduct among its users including medical students. This study aimed to determine the pattern of social media usage and the self-perceived online professionalism among medical students in one public university in Malaysia. A cross sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of participant's demographic details and perception of professionalism on social media usage, using a 5-point Likert scale. The descriptive data analysis was done using SPSS V21.0. Results showed majority (80-93%) denied making postings related to defamation, racism, gender discrimination, potential breach of confidentiality and bad behaviour. 30% shared their social media accounts and postings to public audience and 22% will accept their patients as friends or followers. Most students denied any improper posting related to potential unprofessional statements and behaviour hence perceived as still guarding their online professional conduct. However, some are still not sure about issues related to privacy settings and doctor-patient boundaries on social media. Hence, it is important to educate medical students regarding online medical professionalism and the potential challenges associated with online interaction via social media. Keywords: Social media, medical students, medical professionalism, online conduct, Malaysia.

Perception of Medical Professionalism among Medical Residents in Spain

Background: Medical professionalism, defined as commitment to the primacy of patient welfare, is the basis for doctor–patient–society relationships, but previous research with medical students has shown that professionalism and social commitment to medicine may be waning. To determine if this trend also appears in recently qualified practicing doctors, we surveyed 90 newly graduated doctors currently working as medical residents in two university hospitals in Murcia, Spain. A previously validated questionnaire that studies the perception of six categories (responsibility, altruism, service, excellence, honesty and integrity, and respect) defining medical professionalism was used. Results: A good perception of professionalism was found among medical residents, with more than 70% positive responses in all these six categories. There is an increasing trend in the number of negative responses as the residency goes on. Altruism was the category with the greatest percentage of negative answers (22.3%) and Respect was the category with the lowest percentage (12.9%). Conclusions: The results show a good professionalism perception in medical residents, but also a slight decline in positive answers that began during medical school. A significant trend was found when including both students and residents. Although there were some differences between students and residents, these were not statistically significant. Educational interventions are needed both at the level of medical school and postgraduate medical residency.

Medical professionalism: Navigating modern challenges

Medical professionalism is an evolving entity, requiring continual development according to shifting societal priorities. The public trust that underpins the medical profession is imperative for maintaining effective partnerships with patients, their families and the wider community. This article provides an overview of what constitutes medical professionalism, including the current protocols and assessments for general practice training. The aim is to improve understanding of the current issues surrounding professionalism in primary care. Fictional case scenarios are used to illustrate modern professional dilemmas and to promote reflection on the complex interacting factors that influence professional practice and clinical decision-making.