Table 3 Quotations/Motivational statements by participating students (Some quotes fit into more than one theme)

 Feeling responsible and autonomous regarding real patients

“Students are given freedom AND responsibility”

“Independence and learning to think for yourself about patient management”

“By doing everything yourself, you learn what is involved in practicing as a medical doctor in an outpatient clinic. For instance filling out the forms and the medical record. That was really instructive!”

“It was really enjoyable to diagnose a patient, and to come up with a therapy or treatment plan, all by yourself” [also competence]

“it’s special to be able to follow a patient, perform the follow-up yourself”

“Motivated fellow students, kind supervisors that are approachable, you are able to ask anything you want to while you are very well stimulated tot think for yourself”

- Feeling to have learned

- Feeling to be able to contribute

- Affirmation of capabilities (by themselves or others)

“Being considered of value by patients”

“Being able to come up with a treatment plan”

“it’s special to be able to follow a patient, perform the follow-up yourself”

“It is great to apply what you learned in real practice”

- Feeling privileged

- Being part of a special group

- Getting a chance

- Working together

“Very good opportunity, in the bachelor phase, to practise in a team things like patient contact, medical records and other aspects of a doctor’s work.”

“The collaboration with doctors and fellow students, the fact that you can share your experiences with younger students, so that they learn something from you.”

“Motivated fellow students, kind supervisors that are approachable, you are able to ask anything you want to while you are very well stimulated tot think for yourself”

“Enjoyable atmosphere together with the supervising doctors, within our student team as with the project coordinators”