Albert Thomas Anastasio1, Erik Reinertsen2, Grace Anastasio3. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, USA. 2. Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. 3. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA.
Abstract
Introduction: We aim to compare the experience of medical students at higher- versus lower-ranked medical schools in terms of levels of competition, feelings of animosity amongst students, emphasis on subspecialty choice, and the influence of financial situation on choice of residency specialty. Methods: Students at randomly chosen medical schools were contacted via email and administered a 10-question survey assessing levels of burn out, peer relations, and school pressures on career choice. Results: Perceptions of adverse competition were higher in the non-top-45 cohort. Pressure to pursue subspecialty training was higher in the top-45 cohort. Discussion: Medical school reputation appears to be inversely correlated with symptoms of animosity amongst peers, and these findings should be evaluated for downstream ramifications.
Introduction: We aim to compare the experience of medical students at higher- versus lower-ranked medical schools in terms of levels of competition, feelings of animosity amongst students, emphasis on subspecialty choice, and the influence of financial situation on choice of residency specialty. Methods: Students at randomly chosen medical schools were contacted via email and administered a 10-question survey assessing levels of burn out, peer relations, and school pressures on career choice. Results: Perceptions of adverse competition were higher in the non-top-45 cohort. Pressure to pursue subspecialty training was higher in the top-45 cohort. Discussion: Medical school reputation appears to be inversely correlated with symptoms of animosity amongst peers, and these findings should be evaluated for downstream ramifications.