A Qualitative Study of the Mistreatment of Medical Students by Their Lecturers in Polish Medical Schools

Marta Makowska and Joanna Wyleżałek
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Marta Makowska: Department of Sociology, Institute of Sociological Sciences and Pedagogy, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Joanna Wyleżałek: Department of Sociology, Institute of Sociological Sciences and Pedagogy, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-13

Abstract: Objective: To describe experiences of mistreatment among Polish medical students. Methods: Nine focus groups were carried out with 92 students from three medical universities in Poland (in Gdansk, Krakow, and Warsaw). Results: The mistreatment of medical students included verbal abuse, disregard, and obstacles to pass exams. Students experienced humiliation, belittlement, insults, criticism, shouting, and indecent comments. The lecturers did not respect the students’ time; they did not show understanding for their absences; sometimes, they came to class unprepared while other times, they showed indifference regarding the well-being of students. Respondents stated that they were given enormous amounts material such that they found it far beyond their ability to learn; they were not given information about which textbooks were to be used; exams were incredibly detailed and difficult; and the grading system was unfair. In general, most students did not report the mistreatment. The respondents noticed the negative consequences of their mistreatment, which included a decrease in self-esteem and increased levels of anxiety and stress. This may translate into a lack of empathetic approach to patients. Conclusions: The phenomenon of the mistreatment of medical students requires more attention in Poland. It is important to raise awareness of the significant consequences of this.

Keywords: medical students; abuse; mistreatment; Poland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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