Fatih SÖZDUTMAZ, Nazlı Gülriz ÇERİ, Hayriye Dilek AKDOĞAN
Meandros Medical and Dental Journal - 2026;27(2):264-272
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 was to evaluate the effects of holistic medicine education given at the preclinical level on medical students' awareness, attitudes, and perspectives, and to examine their views regarding curriculum integration. Materials and Methods: This qualitative focus group study was conducted with 20 voluntary first- and second-year medical students who had completed the Holistic Healing Methods Special Study Module. Data were collected through two focus group interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: The analysis yielded five main themes and ten subthemes. The most prominent finding was the development of a patient-centered perspective, reported by 55% of participants (n=11). Students reported reduced initial prejudices toward holistic medicine and increased confidence in scientifically supported practices (40%, n=8). Participants expressed differing views regarding curriculum integration; 45% (n=9) supported the inclusion of holistic medicine education in the medical curriculum, whereas others favored its continuation as an elective component of the curriculum. Conclusion: Holistic medicine education may contribute to increased awareness and more patient-centered, biopsychosocial perspectives among preclinical medical students. Overall, this study may inform future curriculum development and the design of educational initiatives related to holistic medicine, while also enriching ongoing discussions regarding its place within undergraduate medical curricula.
