Assessment of Student Perspectives on Improving Wellness in Medical School: Qualitative Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Students in Florida

Figures & data

Table 1 Characteristics of Study Participants

	Number (%)
Gender
Male	369 (42.7%)
Female	491 (56.8%)
Not reported	4 (0.5%)
Year in medical school
First	294 (34.0%)
Second	254 (29.4%)
Third	166 (19.2%)
Fourth	146 (16.9%)
Fifth or higher	4 (0.5%)
Living situation^a
With spouse or significant other	254 (29.4%)
Alone	212 (24.5%)
With friend(s)	202 (23.4%)
With other roommates	176 (20.4%)
With parents	59 (6.8%)
With children	40 (4.6%)
With sibling(s)	39 (4.5%)
With other relatives	10 (1.2%)

Note: ^aParticipants could select multiple categories, resulting in >100% total.

Table 2 Number of Comments for Each Theme Related to How Medical Schools Could Improve Medical Student Health and Wellness

Themes and Underlying Topics	# of Comments
Changes to the Medical School Schedule and Curriculum  ● Improve Scheduling: basic science and clinical years (92)^a  ● Decrease Intensity of Workload (30)  ● Protected Time Off and More Free Time (49)  ● Improve Teaching Efficiency and Quality (89)  ● De-emphasize Grades and Competition (58)  ● Medical Education Reform (24)	342
Improved Communication and Relationships  ● Increase Administrative Support (47)  ● Improve Student-Faculty Relations (25)  ● Encourage Peer Support Among Students and Socializing (40)  ● Improve Communication and Transparency (43)	155
Resources to Promote Healthy Living  ● Promote Healthy Diet (47)  ● Encourage Exercise (66)  ● Decrease Stigma/Improve Access to Counseling and Wellness (128)	241
Focus on Wellness  ● Encourage Work-Life Balance (48)  ● Incorporate Wellness into the Curriculum (71)  ● Miscellaneous Wellness Resources (23)	142
Specific Resources to Address Common Stressors  ● Reduce Financial Concerns (38)  ● Provide Academic Support and Time Management Skills (41)  ● Increase Career Guidance (25)  ● Improve Structural Learning Environment and Services (41)	145

Note: ^aParenthetical notations denote the number of responses coded for each underlying topic.

Table 3 Number of Comments for Each Theme Related to Student Suggestions for a Medical School Wellness Program

Content Themes	# of Comments
Exercise/Fitness	115
Nutrition/Food	54
Counseling/Support Groups	109
Meditation/Relaxation	44
Skill-building (eg, coping, time management, study skills)	42
Miscellaneous (eg, massages, ice cream, therapy dogs)	23
Socializing	18
Mentorship	10
Financial Planning/Guidance	10
Modality Themes
Optional Activities/Electives	24
Mandatory Activities	15
Small Group Activities	23
Individual Activities/Resources	21
Workshops/Presentations	13
Outdoor Activities	10
Open Discussions/Forums	5