The Value of Testimonials for the Professional Training of Medical Science Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The teaching of social sciences in Cuban medical education is a priority area for the practice of social and family medicine among future graduates. The construction of testimonials from healthcare professionals by medical science students is a pedagogical tool to motivate study in this field and contribute to professional training.

Objective: To explain the usefulness of testimonials as a pedagogical tool in the professional training of medical science students.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. The theoretical approach employed the historical-logical method, and the empirical approach employed semi-structured interviews and participant observation, as well as methodological triangulation for the analysis of the information from the testimonies.

Results: The testimonies of healthcare professionals, prepared by medical science students, became teaching material in social science courses. The value of this pedagogical tool for developing research and communication skills was confirmed; it also enhances the development of professional identity values and commitment to the humanistic principles of Cuban medicine.

Conclusions: The creation of healthcare personnel testimonies by medical science students constitutes a pedagogical tool that enhances the development of research and communication skills; it contributes to the development of professional identity and becomes teaching material in social science courses in the biomedical context.