Kaplan’s Post

📊 Hidden Financial Burdens in Medical Education: A Growing Concern 🩺 A recent study unveils the overlooked financial strains that medical students face, extending far beyond tuition fees. As costs soar, students are blindsided by essential expenses like test prep materials and clinical supplies. Key findings reveal: - Students incur an average of $4,937 in unexpected costs. - A staggering 83% reported expenses exceeding their initial expectations. - Financial constraints impact the mental well-being of 65% of students. First-generation college students are particularly affected, with an alarming 89% experiencing financial strain. This study emphasizes the urgent need for medical institutions to enhance transparency regarding ancillary costs and support vulnerable demographics. To ensure equitable access to medical education, we must address these challenges head-on! 🔍 Read more about this critical issue and its implications for future generations of healthcare professionals by clicking the link! #EquityInEducation #FinancialHealth #HealthEconomics #MedicalEducation #MentalHealthAwareness #Publications #StudentSupport #MarketAccess #MarketAccessToday

Rethinking Pathways to Medical Careers Medical schools have traditionally prioritised STEM-based qualifications, but a growing movement urges institutions to reconsider these entry requirements. Recent calls for widening participation suggest admitting students with arts backgrounds could bring new perspectives and diversity to the field of medicine. https://lnkd.in/edu2MdEi Some graduate entry medicine (GEM) courses already accept, and have done for a significant amount of time, any degree level qualification for study. So is this movement new? The current shift in thinking aligns with the broader need to foster inclusivity and reflect the diverse communities that healthcare serves. For example, students from arts disciplines might offer unique communication skills, creativity, and empathy that are invaluable in patient care. However it is also driven by the need for more doctors and the desire to increase medical training places. As a leader in medical education at the University of Buckingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, I believe the sector is about to rethink the archetype of a “future doctor.” How do you feel about this potential evolution in admissions? Could this reshape medicine for the better? #MedicalEducation #meded #InclusiveAdmissions #DiversityInMedicine #WideningParticipation #FutureDoctors

"Medical Students and Their Declining Mental Health" Medical students face immense challenges that often lead to deteriorating mental health. Understanding these challenges and finding ways to address them is crucial not only for the students but for the future of healthcare. This article delves into the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this pressing issue. The Pressures of Medical School: Academic Pressure Imagine the constant pressure to excel in every exam and assignment. Medical students are expected to master vast amounts of information in a short time. This relentless demand creates a high-stress environment, leaving little room for error or relaxation. Long Hours and Sleep Deprivation Medical students often work long hours, balancing studies with clinical rotations. Sleep becomes a luxury, and exhaustion sets in. Imagine trying to learn complex medical procedures while battling fatigue. Financial Stress The cost of medical education is staggering. Students often graduate with substantial debt, adding financial anxiety to their already heavy emotional load. Lack of Support In a competitive environment, students may feel isolated. Many hesitate to seek help, fearing it might be seen as a weakness. This lack of support can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and stress. Exposure to Trauma During clinical rotations, students witness patient suffering and death. This exposure to trauma can be emotionally overwhelming, especially for those not yet equipped with coping mechanisms. The Impact on Mental Health: Anxiety and Depression The constant pressure can lead to anxiety and depression. About 27% of medical students experience depression and around 33% report anxiety symptoms. These conditions can severely impact their academic and personal lives. References: #AmericanMedicalAssociation (AMA): "Mental Health Resources for Medical Students." #JournalofMedicalEducation: "Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Medical Students." #NationalInstitutesofHealth (NIH): "Burnout and Stress in Medical Students." Understanding and addressing the mental health challenges faced by medical students is essential for creating a healthier, more supportive environment that fosters their growth and success. Share your thoughts on this article. #MentalHealth #MedicalStudents #MedicalEducation #HealthCare #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #StressManagement #HealthcareProfessionals #MedicalSchool #BurnoutPrevention #StudentSupport #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #FutureDoctors #HealthcareCommunity

I have some criticisms of this article. 1)     The authors failed to present any data except for two student cohorts (22-23 and 23-24) that entered after this new dean was hired. Without at least a few years of data from before the hiring of this new dean, it’s impossible to tell how unusual, if at all, recent student performance has been. 2)     There is a great deal of evidence that tremendous harm was done to student achievement in America during the pandemic. The possibility that these harms might follow students into graduate study is not a surprising one. We will be paying the bill for this for many years to come. 3)     This is very important: Their claims about UCLA’s drop in the US News and World Report medical school rankings is a very misleading one. It seems like going from being ranked 6th to being ranked 18th would be a disaster for what was once a top ten medical school. Rankings also seem like an objective measure. But if you actually look at the list (in US News and World Report), you’ll find that there are a lot of ties: 5 for 5th, 3 for 10th and 5 for 13th. UCLA is then tied with two other schools for 18th. Choosing to number the ordering of schools in this ranking in this way is purely arbitrary. US News just as easily could’ve decided to list 5 schools tied for 5th, 3 for 6th, 5 for 7th and 3 (including UCLA) for 8th. In general, I don’t think the decision to number the ordering of the school ranking in the way they did is very important. But in the context of this article, it is very important because they’re trying to make big claims about the harms being done to the quality of education at UCLA’s medical school as a consequence of DEI initiatives and they’re using this as evidence. Please don't be fooled.

Transitioning into science communications has me learning so much! This blog was definitely an informative read. Here's the trend: UK Medical students turning away from General Practice A strong primary care system is essential for effective and equitable healthcare. Catharina Savelkoul highlights a critical issue facing the UK's healthcare system: the shortage of GPs. Key findings: • Only 17.4% of Foundation Year 2 doctors chose GP training in 2015 • Women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to consider GP careers • Negative attitudes towards GP work are prevalent in medical schools Why the decline? 1. Cultural bias favouring hospital specialties 2. Limited exposure to GP work during medical education 3. Perceived challenges: high workload, bureaucracy, burnout risk Potential solutions: • Revamp medical school curricula to increase quality GP exposure • Combat negative stereotypes in medical education • Adjust financial incentives for GP careers and teaching • Improve working conditions in general practice In all, we must address this crisis. Thank you Catharina Savelkoul for sharing your mini research. #Healthcare #MedicalEducation #GeneralPractice #NHS Share comments on the original blog! 👇

#MedicalEducation-Participants who were interviewed described three major themes: complex institutional relationship dynamics between undergraduate HBCUs and medical schools; concerns about preferential treatment for students from predominantly white institutions (PWIs) when accessing clinical shadowing opportunities; the "it takes a village mindset" emphasizing family and peer involvement. #education #medicalschool #medicalapartheid ##equitydiversityandinclusion #medicaleducation #healthcare #blackphysicians #hbcu

As a non traditional student I want to encourage anybody who wants to further their career to just do it to be honest. Recent statistics show a noticeable increase in the number of nontraditional students entering medical schools. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), about 15% of medical students are now classified as nontraditional. This change reflects broader societal shifts where career changes and lifelong learning are becoming more normalized. Additionally, medical schools are recognizing the value of diverse life experiences, which can enrich the learning environment and enhance patient care. Several factors contribute to the rise of nontraditional students in medicine. First, the increased flexibility in medical school admissions, including the acceptance of a wider range of pre-medical experiences and the availability of post-baccalaureate programs, has made it more accessible for those who decide to pursue medicine later in life. Second, societal changes such as the gig economy, increased educational opportunities for older adults, and shifting cultural attitudes towards career changes have also played a significant role.

Curious about diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education? 🚑 Bridget Balch's article tackles six common myths that often surround DEI initiatives, clarifying their role in elevating healthcare and supporting future physicians. From patient care benefits to maintaining high academic standards, this article explores how DEI enhances medical education and strengthens the profession. Below is a summary. The article categorizes myths about DEI in medical education as follows: 1. Standards & Qualifications: Dispels the myth that DEI initiatives lower academic standards, asserting that diverse perspectives enhance educational quality. 2. Impact on Patient Care: Clarifies that DEI in medical education improves patient outcomes by training culturally competent physicians. 3. Fairness: Addresses concerns about “special treatment,” explaining that DEI efforts create equitable opportunities for all students. 4. Professional Ethics: Shows how DEI aligns with medical ethics by fostering inclusive practices beneficial to society. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYjQ5pPw #ConsortiumofDEIHealthEducators #DEI #HealthEquity #DiversityandInclusion #MedicalEducation #CommonMyths

Educators, spark your students' interest in this high-paying and vital STEM career by sharing these stats and resources: To get started on researching medical field careers search these in your browser: "Resources for Potential Medical Students" for an article with multiple linked resources from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine "Tools and Resources for First-Generation Medical School Students" for an article with multiple linked resources from the American Association of Medical Colleges *the stats for the post came from the American Association of Medical Colleges #STEM #careers #healthcare #access #medical #medstudent #medicalcareers #worldhealthday

Are you considering a career change to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor? Our latest article dives deep into the inspiring stories of non-traditional pre-med students who have embarked on the challenging yet rewarding journey of medical school at any age. Discover valuable insights, tips, and the resilience of individuals who defy age barriers to pursue their passion for medicine. Join the conversation and explore the diverse pathways to medical education! #MedicalSchool #NonTraditionalStudents #CareerChange #Education