Med students cite lack of training in medical ethics
Survey highlights shortcomings in key areas
More than one-third of American medical students are not required to study medical ethics, according to survey results compiled by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the largest independent medical student organization in the country.
Medical students told the association they are receiving traditional education but not training that keeps pace with current issues such as bioterrorism or disaster preparedness.
Only 17% of those surveyed say they are "very satisfied" with their curricula, and more than 35% of students say they are not required to study medical ethics.
Preparing students to be worthy of trust
"Medical education should provide students with the information and skills they need to enter medicine as physicians worthy of the public trust," says Leana S. Wen, AMSA national president. "It is a constant challenge for medical schools to teach the traditional medical curriculum while also incorporating new, timely topics. However, it is absolutely necessary that medical schools recognize this challenge and strive to develop physicians who can effectively provide care in this modern health care environment."
Many other areas overlooked
Other highlights of the AMSA survey include the following:
• More than 24% of respondents are not provided education on health disparities.
• More than half of respondents (57.5%) are not offered courses or are not sure of their training options in bioterrorism or disaster preparedness.
• Respondents report their curriculum includes no classes/electives on:
— business of medicine (47%);
— technology advances in medicine (35%);
— global HIV/AIDS (31%);
— complementary and alternative medicine (26%).
"To ensure that future physicians are properly prepared and curricula are all-encompassing, students and educators must collaborate and continue to refine medical education," Wen says. "AMSA continues to work with educators to develop the best curriculum possible that not only reflects the clinical skills future doctors need but also the other aspects of being a socially responsible physician in our modern and diverse society."
The survey was conducted as a general assessment of medical students’ attitudes toward medical school curricula. AMSA designed the on-line survey and solicited member response to it; 322 students responded.
The 60,000-member organization focuses efforts on four strategic priorities: universal health care, disparities in medicine, diversity in medicine, and changing the culture of medical education. For more information, visit AMSA’s web site at www.amsa.org.
More than one-third of American medical students are not required to study medical ethics, according to survey results compiled by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the largest independent medical student organization in the country.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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