impact on medical students

The pandemic of COVID-19 has drastically altered the normal course of the academic year and with it the formation of thousands of Medical students. Many of those affected think learning outcomes that have been altered by a health crisis will be seen long after they disappear, according to a survey conducted. Medscape 2,600 students in the United States.

As for healthcare workers, the coronavirus has had a major impact on the lives of those still in training. In fact, around one in ten say they have personally known a deceased teacher or health worker due to Covid-19.

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The aforementioned survey also reflects that around half of students (45 percent) he is satisfied with the way his healthcare institutions are handling the pandemic.

Despite the difficulties that this situation entails, just over half support it the pandemic strengthened his decision to become a doctor; 38% said it had no effect and only 8% said it weakened their choice to pursue medicine as a career.

As for graduation on time, 43% of students are at least moderately worried about Covid-19 r disruptionsyour graduation late. And, in particular, women more than men (47% against 36%).

Also, approximately 2 out of 5 think the ravages of the coronavirus and changes in their education will have at least a “moderately negative” effect in their ability to practice medicine as they begin their careers, and more women than men feel this way (46% versus 36%).

Indeed, a third indicated that Covid-19 had at least some effect on their choice of specialties, while two thirds said it had no influence.

Not much has changed what are the most popular specialties since the 2018 report Medscape on the life and education of medical students. The first five options remain Family medicine (12 percent), Internal Medicine (11 percent), Emergency medicine (11 percent), Pediatrics (10 percent) e Psychiatry (7 percent).

This year, the students overwhelmingly stated it personal interest in the field was the most important factor in his choice. A slightly higher percentage of women (76% versus 68% of men) cited this reason, while men reported lifestyle more frequently (20% vs.15%), similar to the 2018 survey.

Likewise, the survey suggests this future earnings are still at least moderately important in choosing a specialty for the vast majority of students (84%) and more men than women feel this way. For both women and men, the desire to help those in need is the main factor influencing their decision to attend medical school (87% and 85%), followed by a medical call (68%). percent and 63 percent), interest in science (67 percent and 78 percent), and prestige of a medical career (27 percent and 42 percent).

Generally, the prestige of a career in medicine it has become a slightly smaller factor since 2016, when 37% of students cited it, compared to 33% in 2020.