The Unforeseen Costs of Medical Education

Financial burdens of medical education are a major barrier for many students. The goal of this study is to identify and quantify unforeseen costs associated with being a medical student.

Medical students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center were surveyed on unforeseen financial costs. Qualitative data were collected.

Students spent significant extra funds in professional development, social spending, living, and technology.

Schools and students should consider all aspects of life to have a fruitful education and appropriately provide loan funding and financial education for both enough and thoughtful use of financial resources during medical education.