Letter; Are Students Who do not Complete their Medical School Education Abandoned? Is More Help Needed?

During our teaching we have been confronted with a number of stressed students over the years and yet there have been relatively few discussions, workshops or group meetings no, how to help them face life after medical school if they should fail to complete their studies. We were concerned about this, especially as there are relatively easy steps that can be taken to help, and the cost of medical school increasing leading to increased debt with nothing to show for it. Tui- tion this year will range from $28,000 to $50,000 at a public and private institution respectively, with total costs from $50- $70,000. Using a simple search of a number of medical school and blog sites, we formulated a simple tool that would at least, we hope, give some guidance to students that leave medical school early. It is hoped that this link table will be developed, updated and expanded further in the future so that these bright, degree-holding people do not find themselves suddenly cast adrift.