The abuse of students is rampant in medical education, and has shown little change despite numerous publications and big talk by academic medicine. This culture of abuse is in direct conflict with the new attitude of self-directed learning, professionalism, and increased curricular time devoted to cultural sensitivity. Ample evidence shows that medical students are not faring well in this non-supportive environment. Medical students show higher rates of substance abuse when compared to matched pharmacy students with equal access to medications. Each year, physician suicide removes from the U.S. a number of physicians equal to the size of a med school graduating class.
Physicians have twice the rate of suicides of the general public.
Med students have three times the suicide risk. To address this issue, AMSA passed a Medical Student Bill of Rights. Still in its infancy, the MSBR is undergoing changes which are illuminating its role in AMSA and its ultimate purpose in the Association. The information found on this site can help you to understand the scope of the problem. You can learn easy ways to educate, motivate, and facilitate change at your med school.