Qualitative Analysis of Third Year Medical Students Reflections on Loss

Abstract

Medical students face professional experiences of death and loss during their formative training years. Personal experiences of death and loss are unique to each individual student. Surprisingly little is known about how medical students conceptualize loss or death. We sought to explore the responses of third year medical students to a selfreflection exercise focused on loss. We conducted a qualitative analysis of 127 third year medical school students responses to identify common and uncommon themes and language used by medical students to discuss and conceptualize loss. These findings may allow educators to tailor education programs on end of life care and mindfulness in a real and relevant manner. In addition, the wide breadth of student perspectives will inform appropriate support and resources required as physicians-in-training face loss during their training.