Medical students under significant stress and grappling with severe mental health challenges are considering leaving the medical profession even before completing their qualifications.
These findings come from Elsevier Health, a scientific research group.
They surveyed 2,212 students from 91 countries between April and May of this year.
It revealed that 60% were concerned about their mental health, 69% were concerned about their income, 63% were worried about experiencing burnout, and 60% were worried about how clinician shortages would affect them.
Overall, 12% of medical students worldwide said they considered quitting their studies.
Three-quarters of medical students in the UK are deeply worried about the impact of staff shortages on their future careers, while a quarter of aspiring physicians in the US are considering quitting their studies amid struggles to balance studying and home life.
Elsevier Health’s first global Clinician of the Future 2023: Education Edition sheds light on students struggling to balance their commitment to patient care with their wellbeing.
It provides valuable insights into the experiences of medical students.
It also uncovers critical insights into students’ attitudes toward technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare education.
As waiting lists for medical care reach record levels, the study reveals that nearly 60% of medical and nursing students in the UK are dealing with mental health issues.
Some are even contemplating abandoning their chosen profession before completing their qualifications.
This paints a troubling picture of medical and nursing students’ pressures in the current climate and their growing concerns about life in clinical practice.
Key statistics include:
20% of medical and nursing students in the UK are considering discontinuing their undergraduate studies.
57% of trainees are troubled by their mental wellbeing.
64% of trainees in the UK believe they will experience clinician burnout.
75% of medical and nursing students in the UK are concerned about healthcare staff shortages and how this will impact their future roles.
Meanwhile, 53% of medical and nursing students in the UK expressed excitement about the potential of AI, but 54% have concerns about its use in education.
Furthermore, 74% admit to feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information they are expected to retain, with 44% now utilising generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard.
Cheryl Wilson, an education leader from Elsevier, said: ‘As someone who has worked with students every day, it is unsurprising that they are feeling conflicted and vital that we listen to their concerns and acknowledge the unprecedented workforce emergency that needs to be addressed. We need to support their experiences in the classroom, both with the insurmountable knowledge they need for clinical practice and the skills they need to treat all patients effectively.’
Jan Herzhoff, President of Elsevier Health, noted: ‘It’s evident that healthcare worldwide is facing unprecedented pressures, and the next generation of medical and nursing students are anxious about their future. Whether through the use of technology or engaging learning resources, we must support students with new and innovative approaches to help them reach their potential.’
Tate Erlinger, vice president of clinical analytics at Elsevier, said the reasons students were considering leaving were ‘variable’.
‘There were at least several things [that] floated to the top that caught my attention. One was the cost, and that’s not limited to the US, but the U.S. students are more likely to be worried about the cost of their studies.’
A UK student’s perspective
Anjola Awe is a third-year medical student at King’s College London. She told The Independent that she is contemplating leaving the NHS to explore alternative career paths.
‘I speak to many medical professionals who are considering departing, and it seems like a prevalent sentiment. Understaffing plays a role, but the real issue is why there’s a shortage. Why are people leaving? That’s a red flag. I’m not just considering picking up the slack.’
She expressed concerns about the high medical entry fees and exam preparation costs. She had experienced burnout during the pre-clinical phase of her training, citing a significantly more intense workload than other students, which led to sleep deprivation and all-night study sessions.
