Medical students reported a reduction in their use of tanning salons. There was no change in the use of long-sleeved clothing or hats for sun protection. The sun awareness curriculum for medical students significantly improved the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of these future physicians. Since medical students are the physicians of tomorrow, this program will hopefully have an impact on both the health of physicians as well as that of their future patients. As well, they noted that some medical students reported unhealthy behaviours prior to the curriculum, but demonstrated an intent to adopt more healthy behaviours after the curriculum.
Physicians are important role models and disseminators of medical and health information.
Thus, it is imperative that they have the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that equate to the message that they are delivering.