Role models in medicine and beyond: a survey study exploring the relationship between role models, academic performance and sense of belonging

This study adds empirical weight to the prominent role of role models in medical education, as the majority of medical students reported having role models and these were positively associated with their sense of belonging, particularly in terms of peer support. Comparisons with other faculties show similar or even stronger associations, and other faculties show no significant relationships. Together, these results indicate that role models are likely context-dependent rather than exclusive to medicine. Future research should explore causal mechanisms, mediating factors, and longitudinal effects of role models across diverse academic contexts.