Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the factors that contribute to sustaining the motivation of teachers in medical science universities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted from August 2019 to May 2021. Thirty-seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers from medical sciences universities in Iran, selected through purposive sampling. The conventional content analysis approach was employed to analyze the data. The process involved five steps, including identifying meaning units, condensing them, assigning codes, establishing categories and subcategories, and identifying overarching themes. RESULTS: The teachers' experiences were explored into 'establishing pathways to excellence in the teaching profession'. Three categories 'engagement with continuous personal and professional development', 'autonomy for exploration', and 'pleasure in the teaching profession' were explored as the factors that contribute to the sustaining of teachers' motivation. Teachers' motivation is sustained through their engagement in continuous personal and professional development, which promotes a sense of growth and mastery. Autonomy for exploration is also a critical factor, as it enables teachers to take ownership of their work, and innovate without restrictions, thereby sustaining their job motivation. Furthermore, the pleasure derived from the teaching profession, encompassing the enjoyment of teaching, sense of self-worth, and fulfillment, plays a vital role in sustaining teachers' motivation and driving their pursuit of excellence. CONCLUSION: The teachers' experiences were explored into a theme of 'establishing pathways to excellence in the teaching profession'. The results revealed that engagement in exploration and continuous personal and professional development contributed to the sustained motivation of teachers. Teachers who pursued the excellence pathway reported a sense of fulfillment and pleasure in their teaching profession, which was facilitated by their involvement in the process. Moreover, collaboration with others catalyzes personal and professional growth, thereby fostering sustained motivation among educators.