Soheyla Kalantary - Paramedical School, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Maryam Chehrehgosha - Paramedical School, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nadia Shirazi - Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran
Mehri Behmadi - Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran
Fereshte Araghian Mojarad - Student Research Committee, Buyeh Nursing and Midwifery School, Golestan University of Medical Science, Gorgan, Iran
Leila Jouybari - Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

Background Medical students are in direct contact with patients due to their clinical situation, and one of the important goals of medical education is professional development of these students. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explain students’ experiences regarding professionalism training using hidden curriculum. Methods This study was carried out through content analysis, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ۶th and ۸th semester undergraduate students of surgical technology. The participants were entered into the study using the purposive sampling method and each individual interview lasted for about ۳۵ - ۴۵ minutes. Semi-structured questions were used to conduct the interviews and then follow-up and exploratory questions were used to clarify the concept and to deepen the interview process. Results Overall, ۳۵۸ primary codes and the two main themes of observing patient rights and professional accountability were extracted. The theme of observing patient rights includes three sub-themes, including observing patient privacy, respect for patient’s dignity and patient safety, and the theme of professional accountability comprised the three sub-themes of compliance with professional standards, professional communication and instructor as ethics teacher. Conclusions Professors’ familiarity with the training and development of professionalism among medical students, and attention to the role of hidden curriculum in the formulation of values, norms and behaviors regarding professionalism is suggested.

Professionalism, Hidden Curriculum, Explanation, Student