Stress-related illnesses and sources of stress: comparing M.D.-Ph.D., M.D., and Ph.D. students

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of stress-associated illnesses and to identify possible sources of stress among students enrolled in the M.D.-Ph.D. program of a midwestern university. Specially constructed questionnaires were completed by 45 M.D.-Ph.D. students, 334 M.D. students, and 42 Ph.D. students at this university. The information obtained from the M.D.-Ph.D. students was compared with the responses of the M.D. students and the Ph.D. students. Male M.D.-Ph.D. students had a significantly higher incidence of hypertension, colitis, and asthma, while female M.D.-Ph.D. students reported a higher usage of antacids and occurrence of gastritis or ulcers during the time that they were enrolled in their programs. M.D.-Ph.D. students indicated that the fear of flunking out of school and the grading system were more stressful than did the M.D. students. Additionally, relationship with the graduate adviser and the graduate committee was more stressful to M.D.-Ph.D. students than to Ph.D. students.