The perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students’ future careers

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73249.1
• Publication Date: 2021-11-26T12:30:06Z
• Authors: Heba Mahjoub; Chirag Vasavda; Amanda Bertram; Ashwini Davison; Stephen Sozio
• Keywords: Pandemic; Specialty

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical education on multiple levels, and students have been forced to adjust distance learning, altered clinical opportunities, standardized testing inconsistencies. We sought identify the effects of these dramatic deviations students' career plans. Methods: conducted a cross-sectional online survey between July 13, 2020, September 9, 2020 in order assess implications decisions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Results: Of 585 eligible students, we had final sample 76 responses (n=76) (13% response rate). Students felt neutral regarding having more time explore research projects (Mean ± SD; 3.06 1.18) hobbies (3.43 1.28). Most respondents somewhat disagreed that they considered quitting school during (1.55 1.10). agreed view field medicine positively since onset (3.60 1.09). Respondents would be unable other specialties find their best fit (3.55 1.32). found minority (4/66, 6%) changing specialty. terms Step 1 (3.25 1.05) or 2 (2.81 1.02) score deterring them from future opportunities. Conclusions: experienced barriers pathway as direct cause restrictions education, including ability different discover chance network with mentors. However, despite obstacles, most remain committed medicine.