Medical education: the discontinuers' view point

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Student Welfare
• Psychology

Background:

• Student attrition from medical school is a significant concern.
• Understanding the reasons for discontinuation is crucial for institutional improvement.
• Previous research has not fully explored the experiences of students who leave medical school prematurely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the experiences and reasons for discontinuation among students at Aberdeen Medical School.
• To gather student perspectives on institutional support and identify areas for improvement.
• To assess the perceived value of their time at medical school, even after discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire was distributed to all students who had discontinued their studies.
• The questionnaire sought opinions on student experiences and reactions to discontinuation.
• Data analysis focused on identifying common themes and contributing factors.

Main Results:

• Key reasons for discontinuation included problems with adaptation and study content.
• Students expressed dissatisfaction with staff responsiveness to their needs.
• A strong majority supported the establishment of a Student Counselling Service.
• Most students felt they gained valuable experiences despite not completing their studies.

Conclusions:

• Medical schools should address adaptation and curriculum issues to reduce attrition.
• Enhanced student support services, including counselling, are vital for professional development.
• Insights from students who discontinue studies offer valuable lessons for medical institutions.