Medical Students\' Perceptions of the Professional Atmosphere in Clinical Education Environments Using the UMKC-SOM Professional Atmosphere Questionnaire

Introduction: The educational environment is a crucial factor in professionalism development, and regular evaluation with appropriate strategies is necessary to maintain and foster professionalism. This study was designed and implemented with the aim of investigating medical students' perceptions of the professional environment in clinical education environments. Method: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023 (1402 SH), medical students in their internship and internship stages completed the UMKC-SOM Professional Environment Questionnaire using a census method. The Persian version of the questionnaire was completed by the students in electronic and paper form after its validity and reliability were confirmed. Results: In the present study, 295 clinical medical students were examined. The mean overall score of students' perception of the professional environment was 107.75 ± 0.138. There was no significant difference between the mean overall score of medical students' perception of the professional environment by gender (P < 0.05). There is a significant difference between the overall average score of medical students' perception of the professional environment by educational level (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In general, the average score of students' perception of the professional environment is acceptable and higher than the average, but the average score of medical intern students is lower than the average score of medical externs, given the experience, greater presence, and greater interaction of interns with the clinical environment, which seems to be important for medical education program administrators.