Professional students' perceptions of the value, role, and impact of science in clinical education

Health sciences curricula are, by definition, built on a foundation of scientific knowledge and inquiry. Professional programs in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, physical/occupational therapy, and dentistry purport to provide students with the ability to translate scientific knowledge and understanding into clinical practice, for improving the health and well-being of patients. Indeed, the scientific underpinning of each health profession is a point of pride, a reason these roles exist in the first place and are accorded the prestige of being called a "profession''.