The Mental Health of Medical Students: Supporting Wellbeing in Medical Education

Medical students are the future medical workforce, but recent research has shown high levels of stress and burnout, leading to more students dropping out or leaving the profession early. This book presents research findings on the rates of burnout in medical students from around the world and provides ideas for a model of care to help educators and individuals take steps towards better student wellbeing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Medical students are the future medical workforce, responsible for both individual and population health. As the global population ages, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the field, and the increased use of computerization and robotics in medicine has further emphasized the need for flexibility, foresight, and courage among doctors. However, recent research has highlighted concerning levels of stress and burnout among medical students, leading to many dropping out or leaving the profession early.

This volume aims to address this issue by presenting research findings on burnout rates among medical students from around the world and offering ideas for a model of care that can help educators and individuals take steps towards improving student wellbeing. The first section explores the development of medical teaching, the likely future directions of healthcare, the role of doctors, the current global situation in high-, middle-, and low-income countries, and how burnout is measured and defined. The second section analyzes case studies from various countries, examining regional themes of burnout, mental health symptoms, and stressors. The third section provides insights from medical students themselves, discussing their experiences studying abroad, studying with health conditions, and potential interventions and good practices for the future.

This book is a collaborative effort that brings together professionals from different countries, with a focus on medical student mental health and wellbeing. It will be of interest to medical education professionals, occupational health physicians, medical practitioners, researchers, medical students, and anyone who is concerned about the well-being of medical students. By understanding the challenges faced by medical students and implementing effective interventions, we can ensure that the future medical workforce is well-equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our society.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 245 x 170 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192864871