Students are reporting several positive changes in their medical school experience this year, an Oct. 24 Medscape report found.
“The Unique Culture of Medical School” report surveyed 500 students in American and Caribbean medical schools between April 2 and June 9.
Here are eight things to know:
1. Almost half of students (46%) found medical school culture was as positive as they expected it to be, while 39% found the culture more positive than expected.
2. Thirty-six percent of U.S. students said the overall culture at school has improved during their years, while 46% said it has stayed about the same.
3. A positive culture has not diminished the competitiveness of medical school, with 41% of students saying the environment is highly competitive.
4. Support at school remains high, with 69% of students saying they felt faculty were supportive or very supportive, and 77% said their fellow students were also supportive.
5. About two-thirds of students said their school tries to help them transition to medical school and supports social connections.
6. One-third of students reported having constant or frequent time to meet up with friends, compared to about 20% who said they rarely or never have time.
7. With respect to diversity, 51% of students reported their school rated a 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5.
8. Romantic relationships, however, are more difficult to fit in, with 73% of students reporting they find dating or maintaining a relationship to be difficult or very difficult.
