Philosophy of Medicine Exam in the Olympiad for Medical Sciences Students: Report of an Experience

Introduction: Academic Olympiad for medical sciences students focuses on areas that require reflection, reasoning and problem solving and that are generally neglected in the official education system and evaluation of medical students. Previously, it was administered in three areas of scientific thinking in basic sciences, clinical reasoning and health system management. In order to cover, philosophical reflection and analysis on health issues, Philosophy of Medicine was added to the previous areas. This paper explains the process of designing the theoretical framework and implementing the Philosophy of Medicine Exam. Methods: Philosophy of Medicine Exam was designed in four phases: developing the framework for designing the exam questions, selecting the topics of the exam, preparing the exam questions and running the exam. Philosophy of Medicine Exams were held for the first time in the seventh National Olympiad for Medical Sciences Students in the summer of 2015 in both individual and group competition phases. Results: With the contribution of faculties with relevant specialties for 12 months, the framework for designing the exam questions was developed; it aimed at evaluating philosophical knowledge, philosophical analysis and philosophical debate. The topics included ontology and epistemology of health and disease as well as diagnosis and treatment. For the individual competition, 75 questions in the philosophical knowledge exam and four questions in the philosophical analysis exam were asked; 106 medical sciences students participated in this phase nationwide. In the group phase, eight three-student teams competed by debating on three issues. Conclusion: The Philosophy of Medicine Exam in the Olympiad showed that initiating and promoting the philosophical view in the health domain is achievable. Large participation of students across the nation and cooperation of faculty members suggest that philosophy of medicine could be a crucial interdisciplinary filed in the health discourse, and research and education in this area should be taken into account.