Interplay between personal and professional growth in Italian medical education

Results showed the strong need of the young to understand themselves and know how to improve their personal growth during academic study. Mediation statistical analyses showed significant direct and indirect effects of the factors (year level in medical school) and mediators (conscientiousness/extroversion and openness) on the soft skills indexes. Conscientiousness was a predictive factor for all soft skills examined: self-determination (β = 0.54), resilience (β = 0.48), empathy (β = 0.36), assertiveness (β = 0.24), social support (β = 0.18), and teamwork (β = 0.30). Openness was correlated and predictive for empathy (β = 0.19). The model of the multilayered construct of medical competence represents a fruitful framework and using the lens of Self-Determination theory, medical undergraduates could be engaged and buffered against the stressors of patient care. DISCUSSION: In this scenario, the interaction with medical leaders is relevant, clinical trainers and medical undergraduates should model the professional learning; escalated clinical skills should build advanced knowledge in medicine.