Future-oriented careers: what social and emotional capabilities do medical students need? A qualitative analysis

Background Against the backdrop of the continuous development of the medical industry and increasing demands for comprehensive quality in medical professionals, this study aims to identify the social and emotional competencies (SEC) that medical students need for their future career development. Methods We conducted semi-structured one-to-one interviews with clinicians ( n = 7), medical students ( n = 15), and medical teachers ( n = 10) from diverse specialties, institutions, and training levels. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software through a three-level coding process (open, axial, and selective coding) to identify core themes. Results Three major themes were identified: (1) Social and emotional competencies required for future careers, including key competencies and their impact on development; (2) The current status and challenges in SEC cultivation, covering manifestations and influencing factors; and (3) Recommendations for training, emphasizing assessment, training subjects, and strategies. Conclusion The study clarifies specific SEC requirements for medical careers, reveals complex influencing factors, and underscores the crucial role of these competencies. It is recommended that medical educators and policymakers prioritize systematic SEC training to support medical students’ professional development.