ArticleBMC medical education2026
Association between medical school expectations, professional fulfillment, and mental health among medical students: a mixed-methods study.
Article in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThis mixed-method study aimed: (1) to determine associations between medical student training expectations, satisfaction with school-based wellness resources, self-reported wellbeing, professional fulfillment, and commitment to their career choice, and (2) to explore medical students’ perspectives regarding the ways medical schools could better support student wellbeing.
methodsMedical students (N = 715; 60.1% female) from seven Florida medical schools completed an anonymous online survey. Responses were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively.
resultsMost students reported a decline in mental health since beginning medical school and indicated experiencing at least one burnout symptom via the Single-Item Burnout Measure. Having unmet training expectations was associated with worsened mental health (ρ = 0.465; p < .001) and increased burnout (ρ = − 0.434; p < .001). Students reporting unmet training expectations (ρ = 0.482; p < .001), lower professional fulfillment (ρ = 0.505; p < .001), worsening mental health (ρ = 0.450; p < .001), and more burnout (ρ = − 0.428; p < .001) also reported lower likelihood of re-choosing a career in medicine. Qualitative analysis demonstrated five key targets to enhance student wellbeing: (1) Social, emotional, and physical support; (2) Scheduling; (3) Academic support; (4) Finances; and (5) Organizational culture.
conclusionsMedical schools should prepare incoming students for the realities of medical training and promote dialogue between different stakeholders when developing or reevaluating wellbeing initiatives to enhance the culture of wellness within the learning environment. CLINICAL
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