S3425 Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students: A Single Center Study

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic caused medical education to shift in unprecedented ways, leading medical schools to adopt virtual platforms and modify student-patient interactions. On top of educational changes, medical students adapted to changes in their support network, finances, and health - both mental and physical. Previous studies have demonstrated the specific effect of online learning on medical students as a result of the pandemic, with as many as 13% experiencing health difficulties and 15% experiencing psychological effects.1 This study explores the holistic impact of the pandemic on medical students at a single US institution. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to medical students at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in February 2021. Participants self-reported the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their medical education, family life, financial burden, mental health, and physical health. Results: 168 out of 1,088 students at Sidney Kimmel Medical College completed the survey with 58% (98/168) of responders identifying as female. The class breakdown was as follows: 38% (63/168) first years, 18% (31/168) second years, 21% (36/168) third years, 20% (34/168) fourth years, 2% (4/168) were considered “other” (including research year, Master's program). 28% of respondents reported developing new mental illness, with second years having the highest incidence at 39%. 42% reported the pandemic affecting a previous mental health condition. 96% of third and fourth years reported Covid-19 affected their clinical rotations. 68% of first years reported their entrance to medical school was severely affected. 13% reported losing a family member due to Covid-19, and 7% reported personal sickness due to Covid-19. 16% reported incurring financial burden due to the pandemic. Conclusion: Covid-19 impacted the well-being of students by affecting their mental health and financial burdens. Educationally, clinical rotations and entrance to medical school were the aspects most affected. In future settings of natural disasters or major disruptions in education, this study provides a starting point for where to focus resources - mental health support, financial support, and educational flexibility..