Uncovering the Professional Identity Construction of Novice Rehabilitation Physicians From the Ecological Perspective

With the growing demand for rehabilitation services, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, novice rehabilitation physicians face increasing complexity in constructing their professional identities. This study employs ecological systems theory to explore the multi-layered professional identity construction of novice rehabilitation physicians, using a single-case study of Dr. X. Data were collected over a 16-month period through retrospective interviews, ethnographic observations, and a digital portfolio, and analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that Dr. X’s professional identity is constructed by his personal attributes and self-reflection, which are continuously influenced by his family members, workplace relationships and patient care in the microsystem. In addition, interdisciplinary collaboration and role negotiation in the mesosystem, and institutional expectations and societal norms in the macrosystem further construct his evolving professional role. From the chronosystem perspective, Dr. X’s identity construction unfolds dynamically over time, culminating in a confident, resilient, and collaborative rehabilitation physician. This study proposes an ecological model of novice rehabilitation physicians’ identity construction and offers valuable insights into professional development in rehabilitation medicine.