Virologists: A Definition in the Medical Space before the Outbreak of COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, virologists gained attention and importance in the medical and social space. The researchers were interested in the definition of virologists in the medical space before the COVID-19 virus outbreak by revealing the background of ideas, beliefs, and experiences that gave meaning to their profession.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study the definition of virologists in the medical space before the COVID-19 outbreak.

METHODS: Critical autoethnography methods were used. The informants were virologists who worked within medical spaces in Thailand. The data were collected using in-depth interviews and participatory observations. The data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques and interpreted the experience by the researchers as an emic and the reliability of the data using trustworthiness.

RESULTS: The definition of virologists in the medical space before the COVID-19 outbreak through interpretation consisted of five meanings: 1. A proud professional virologist was defined as professional pride. 2. Undertook a thankless job: personnel who were not prioritized but indispensable. This definition revealed the classification of the profession. 3. A second-class profession of science learners. This reflected the hierarchical power in the medical field. 4. A long gown: A symbol of waiting, and encoded meaning to the profession through a uniform. 5. The dynamics of risk in the working life reflected the profession that constantly worked with risks.

CONCLUSIONS: The definition of virologists in the medical space before the COVID-19 outbreak showed that virologists were affected by the power and knowledge of the medical field. In turn, this led to the classification and formation of hierarchical power through professionalism and impacted the perception of the virologists. In this way, they became a docile body that submitted to the power of medical knowledge.