This PhD thesis of Diego Lima Ribeiro investigates the complex moral dilemmas that medical students encounter as they begin their clinical practice, focusing on their emotional reactions and professional identity formation. The research was carried out at a public medical school in Brazil using qualitative methods, including interviews and visual representations, to understand how medical students cope and deal with moral dilemmas in real-life situations.
The study explores four key dimensions of these dilemmas: the conflict between personal values and professional expectations, internal struggles regarding moral values and ethical principles, and the emotional burden of navigating these issues. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students faced difficult choices, with varying readiness levels and emotional resilience.
The research highlights the transformative potential of these moral challenges, suggesting that with the proper support, students can turn distressing experiences into opportunities for personal and professional growth. It emphasizes the pivotal role of medical educators play in guiding students through these challenging moments and helping them develop moral courage and patient-centered care values.
By actively integrating the topic of moral development into medical education, this thesis argues that students can be better prepared for the complex realities of healthcare. The findings provide valuable insights into how medical training programs can foster both knowledge and technical competence as well as ethical responsibility.
