NEW DELHI: A first-of-its-kind study carried out among first-year medical students in India has found that nearly 40 per cent students regret getting into medicine, mainly due to its lifelong reading. The study found that about 36% students want to become doctors, primarily to make money. Over 82%, students opted to pursue MBBS out of self-interest, while 27% admitted it was due to parent’s wish/ pressure.
The study carried out by researchers at the department of community medicine, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally in Telangana was based on the analysis of first-year students of the institute but is representative of medical community across the country. The findings were published in the recent issue of International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health.
“Medical profession is one of the most highly rated professions among the students due to the fact that it offers prospects of a financially as well as a socially satisfying career. It was observed that many students in India prefer a career in medicine because of parental pressure,” the study noted. “These students may not excel in the academics and are at risk of developing stress or suicidal tendency.” Though the proportion is small, this issue should not be neglected, it said.
Anant Bhan, a researcher in bio-ethics, global health and policy, said studying medicine can be gruelling. “Parents and students need to understand what they are getting into. The numbers should push health administrators into design better orientation modules for students and start some innovative support system.”