Revision in the Methods of Teaching Professional Ethics to Medical Students Based on the Rest Model

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

James Rest, a renowned moral theorist, considers the ability of moral decision making and moral behavior dependent on having four characteristics; moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation and moral character. Currently, professional ethics training in most educational centers of the country is based on lectures by professors. This type of training is helpful to some extent in moral judgments by introducing the principles of professional ethics. But it will not lead to the improvement of moral sensitivity, motivation and character by itself. Nowadays, modern methods are being employed to teach professional ethics, which enhance the moral attitude and clinical behavior of learners. Holding focused group discussion meetings, holding ethical grand rounds, problem-oriented teaching, using comics or graphic stories, creating research opportunities, simulation and role playing are examples of these methods.By utilizing these technique ,medical ethics instructors in the universities of our country will take serious steps in improving moral sensitivity, moral judgment and finally institutionalizing professional behavior among medical students.

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