The Unforeseen Costs of Medical Education

South Med J. 2024 Aug;117(8):474-477. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001721.

Abstract

Objective: Financial burdens of medical education are a major barrier for many students. The goal of this study is to identify and quantify unforeseen costs associated with being a medical student.

Methods: Medical students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center were surveyed on unforeseen financial costs. Qualitative data were collected.

Results: Students spent significant extra funds in professional development, social spending, living, and technology.

Conclusion: Schools and students should consider all aspects of life to have a fruitful education and appropriately provide loan funding and financial education for both enough and thoughtful use of financial resources during medical education.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Education, Medical* / economics
  • Education, Medical* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Students, Medical* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tennessee