profession
Med student dropout rate studied
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 18, 2010
About 11% of medical students have serious thoughts of dropping out of school each year, and data suggest that 3% -- the equivalent of four graduating classes from an average-size U.S. medical school -- will drop out, according to new research.
The study, in the January Academic Medicine, identified burnout and depression as the main reasons for such thoughts. Researchers surveyed 2,222 students in 2006 and 2007 (link).
The study recommends programs identify and treat students in distress, with a focus on retention plans.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/01/18/prbf0118.htm.