Brittany Van Remortel, MD, MPH; Emily Dolan, MD; David Cipriano, PhD; Patrick McBride, MD, MPH
WMJ. 2019;117(5):211-213.
Abstract
Introduction: The goal of this study is to describe the state of mental health of Wisconsin medical students.
Methods: Online wellness surveys were distributed to students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH) and Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) during the 2016-2017 school year.
Results: Of UWSMPH respondents, 40.0% and 12.5% reported experiencing depression/other mood changes and suicidal ideation during medical school, respectively. Twelve percent of MCW respondents screened positive for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and 7.8% reported experiencing suicidal ideation in the last 2 weeks.
Discussion: Similar to results shown worldwide, Wisconsin medical students experience diminished mental health relative to nonmedical peers. Changes in medical education are needed to improve student mental well-being.