THE MAKING OF A CHINESE PHYSICIAN

Abstract

This exploratory study attempts to study the process and outcome of occupational socialisation among the students of traditional Chinese medicine. Twenty students are chosen from the first and final-years of the Singapore Chinese Physicians' Training College. Three research areas are selected to ascertain the objectives. They are: (1) the acquisition of occupational values; (2) the development of a professional self-identity; and (3) the orientation towards the profession. The findings show that the final year students are more homogeneous in their values and attitudes and are more successfully influenced by the image of the profession and professional values of the College. The professional self-identity of the students, particularly among the final-year students are only partially developed during the training at the College. Most of them would only consider themselves as qualified Chinese physicians after a few years of clinical experience following graduation. The students' perception of the profession is also found to have changed positively to reflect a modified and clear image of the profession and its practitioners. There is also an overall increase in the commitment level of the students who planned to become either full-time or part-time Chinese physicians.