One-quarter of medical students in the U.S. are considering quitting their studies, a figure that compares to 12% worldwide, according to a report by Elsevier Health.
The "Clinician of the Future Education Edition" report for 2023 surveyed 2,000 medical and nursing students worldwide on the opportunities and challenges they face in preparation for a career in healthcare.
Here are five additional survey findings as they relate to medical students in the U.S.:
1. Sixty-three percent said they see their current studies as a stepping stone to a broader career in healthcare that will not involve directly treating patients.
2. Fifty-seven percent said they felt excited about the use of AI in their education, and 58% said they feel excited about the possibilities artificial intelligence presents to clinicians.
3. Sixty-three percent said that in the future, they believe the role of a clinician will be more of a partnership with the patient.
4. Sixty-nine percent indicated they believe the widespread use of digital health technologies will enable the positive transformation of healthcare. Fifty-one percent said this widespread use will be a challenging burden on clinicians.
5. Seventy-two percent said managing public health will be a key priority within their roles as clinicians.