Challenges Faced by Medical Students: A Systematic Review

Introduction:

Medical education presents formidable challenges to students, extending beyond academic rigor. This systematic review explores the multifaceted hurdles encountered by medical students.

Academic Stress and Burnout:

Students grapple with pervasive academic stress, intensified by a demanding curriculum and high-stakes exams, leading to burnout characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.

Mental Health Struggles:

Elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and stigma hinder the mental well-being of medical students, emphasizing the need for increased support and destigmatization of seeking help.

Balancing Act: Personal and Professional Life:

Juggling academic responsibilities with personal life proves challenging, impacting relationships and contributing to a sense of isolation among medical students.

Clinical Exposure and Ethical Dilemmas:

Navigating ethical challenges in patient care and witnessing suffering pose unique emotional burdens, underscoring the need for robust support systems and ethical guidance.

Financial Pressures:

The financial strain of medical education influences career choices, highlighting the need for initiatives addressing financial pressures and promoting equal opportunities.

Conclusion:

This review emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive support systems within medical education institutions to address academic stress, prioritize mental health, and alleviate financial burdens, ensuring aspiring physicians navigate challenges with resilience and empathy.