design of formative assessment model for professional behavior using stages of change theory

background: professionalism is a core competency of physicians. this study was conducted to design a model for formative assessment of professional commitment in medical students according to stages of change theory.   methods: in this qualitative study, data were collected through literature review & focus group interviews in the tehran university of medical sciences in 2013 and analyzed using content analysis approach.   results: review of the literature and results of focus group interviews led to design a formative assessment model of professional commitment in three phases, including pre-contemplation, contemplation, and readiness for behavior change that each one has interventional and assessment components. in the second phase of the study, experts' opinion collected in two main categories: the educational environment (factors related to students, students' assessment and educational program); and administrative problems (factors related to subcultures, policymakers or managers and budget). moreover, there was a section of recommendations for each category related to curriculum, professors, students, assessments, making culture, the staff and reinforcing administrative factors.     conclusion: this type of framework analysis made it possible to develop a conceptual model that could be effective on forming the professional commitment and behavioral change in medical students.