Medical Student Perceptions of Holistic Medicine Education at the Preclinical Level: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Objective: Interest in holistic medicine approaches is increasing, and the role of these methods in medical education and their impact on student attitudes are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of holistic medicine education given at the preclinical level, on medical students’ awareness, attitudes, and clinical reasoning processes, and to examine their views regarding curriculum integration.Methods: In this qualitative study designed with a phenomenological approach, two focus group interviews were conducted with 20 voluntary first- and second-year medical students who completed the module. Data were analyzed using thematic and frequency analysis.Results: Students reported a reduction in their initial biases toward holistic medicine methods, increased confidence in scientifically supported practices, and a stronger adoption of a patient-centered, biopsychosocial perspective. Experiential activities such as breathing exercises, case discussions, and peer presentations were described as deepening the learning experience.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that medical students develop a warm and open attitude toward holistic medicine methods and that such education supports both cognitive awareness and attitudinal transformation. Strengthening patient-centered perspectives, empathy, communication, and holistic evaluation skills among students highlights the value of evidence-based and structured integration of holistic medicine content into undergraduate medical education.