Dr, Gil Lederman talks about why there are more and more medical students who drop out of school. Click here to see why.

1. Top 5 Reasons Why Students Drop Out of
Medical School
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), only 15 percent of
students who wish to become doctors actually succeed. There are a variety of reasons, including
social, personal and educational. Below explains the top five reasons cited by medical students
why they drop out of school.
High Tuition Fees
The cost of attending medical school is extremely high. It costs $150,000 to $200,000 to
complete medical school. Therefore, many students are unable to continue their medical degree.
In addition to this, many enrolled students presume that they will be able to work part-time jobs
to help pay their tuition. However, medical school is so demanding and stressful that part-time
jobs are simply not possible.

2. Poor Study Skills
Many college student’s look forward to university as a place to make friends, have fun and learn
something. However, medical school is so demanding that only students with excellent self-
control, time management and self-organization will succeed. Keep in mind that competition for
residencies is high, therefore only the best of the best will succeed.
Burnout
Medical school is one of the most rigorous fields that requires intense focus, self-discipline and
excellent study skills. Many potential medical professionals are simply unable to keep up with
the long term study routine and enormous amount of academic material. In addition to this,
medical school is so demanding that students’ personal and social lives may suffer. As a result,
stress levels and dropout rates are high.
Wrong Career Path
Some students dream of becoming a doctor based on how medical professionals are presented in
the media. For example, popular TV shows like ‘ER’ and ‘House’ glorify the drama and pride of
the medical profession. Even comedy TV shows like ‘Scrubs’ make medical professions appear
cool and fun. However, the reality is that medical school involves a continual heavy workload
with unpleasant and demanding tasks.
Life Changes
Most college degree programs take four years and some students longer to complete their
program. However, medical school requires continual education regardless of changing life
circumstances. University, medical school and residency must successfully happen regardless of
what occurs in the students’ life. Therefore, any personal changes in life, such as moving,
divorce or loss of employment, will affect medical school.
In conclusion, students who successfully complete medical school must be prepared for the
financial costs, intense workload and life changes. Medical students should be aware of burnout
and be properly motivated in choosing their career path.
Dr. Gil Lederman is an experienced medical doctor from NYC.