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A Real-world What-Where-When Memory Test
Published on: May 16, 2017
Foreign students' experience during a time of war.
Annetta M Madsen1, Rachel Pope, Ayol Samuels
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Political conflict significantly impacted medical students academically and psychologically, with most reporting minimal residual effects. Open communication and community support were crucial for coping during the war.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- International Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The 2009 Gaza war disrupted classes at Ben-Gurion University's Medical School for International Health.
- Students' academic and personal lives were affected, with some continuing clinical duties voluntarily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the academic and psychological effects of political conflict on international medical students.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a debriefing session held for the entire student body.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous online survey was administered to all students to gather data on their experiences during the conflict.
- Student and administrator teams analyzed survey responses to identify key themes and impacts.
Main Results:
- 40% of students responded to the survey; 83% were in Israel during the war, and 34% attended the debriefing.
- Academic and financial factors primarily influenced decisions to stay or leave the conflict zone.
- Students reported psychological distress, difficulty concentrating, and feeling undefined roles as foreigners, though 73% experienced minimal residual effects.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into student coping mechanisms during conflict and highlights academic challenges.
- Frequent communication and fostering a sense of community were vital for student well-being during the war.
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