The World Needs More of You and Me: The Role and Challenges of Medical Students Globally

By Ife Shoyombo, MD

What does it mean to be a medical student? The answer varies depending on where in the world you are training. In some societies, medical students are viewed as apprentices to the art of healing—spiritual ministers who strive to master the causes of human suffering. In others, they are expected to be rigorous scientists, deeply versed in labs, imaging, anatomy, and physiology. Yet across every setting, one thing remains constant: the immense importance of this transitional phase.

Every physician was once a student, learning how to provide care. Medicine is not an innate talent; it is an oral and written history of knowledge, passed down across generations. Becoming a physician is arduous—often compared to drinking from a firehose. Wherever they are, medical students present sacrificial offerings as they commit themselves to preserving human health. It’s a heavy calling, and one that demands altruism, resilience, and global solidarity.

The Long Road We Walk

The process of becoming a physician is long and grueling. Speaking from my own experience as a medical student in the United States, it begins with four intense years of pre-medical coursework. Late nights studying organic chemistry, physics, biology—all while trying to maintain a near-perfect GPA—are the norm.

Extracurriculars and volunteer experiences are not optional; they’re expected in order to demonstrate a serious commitment to the field. Then comes the dreaded MCAT—a seven-hour-long mental marathon. And even after receiving our scores, anxiety persists.

For those who are selected, medical school brings a fleeting few months of excitement before the next wave of exams begins. Weekly tests, monthly tests, and then the behemoths: USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Then there is clinical training that comes with countless subjective evaluations and challenging shelf exams.

In many parts of the world, the experience can be even tougher. I have an uncle who studied medicine in Nigeria. He once told me he failed a clinical rotation simply because he shared the same first name as his proctor’s daughter, an offense the proctor found intolerable. He had to repeat the rotation. Wherever we are, it seems we are all under dire as we drink from that same relentless firehose.

Will the Struggle Ever End?

The answer is: yes and no. Medical students, clerkship directors, and faculty members can and should work together to make the process more humane. At the same time, the field demands a certain level of rigor. Because society desperately needs people like you and me, we are subjected to what a good friend of mine calls "mental gymnastics"—the high-stakes training that pushes us to our intellectual and emotional limits.

It’s almost inhumane how much effort is required. Yet, it’s necessary. We've embarked on one of the most noble career paths, dedicating our minds and hearts to the care of others. The fatigue, anxiety, frustration, and imposter syndrome many students feel during this journey are not signs of weakness; they are manifestations of the immense responsibility we are preparing to shoulder.

Learning to Live Through It

So what does this mean for us as we navigate these years? We must find ways to live, love, and thrive despite the journey’s demands. Balance is not a luxury—it is a necessity. If you find yourself facing repeated failures, overwhelming self-doubt, or burnout, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a critical survival strategy.

We must remember we are not alone. Many others are struggling with the same concepts, the same exams, the same fears. By supporting each other, sharing tips and encouragement, we can make the burden lighter.

Moreover, we must see ourselves not just as students in our own schools or countries, but as global citizens. COVID-19 revealed just how interconnected our world really is. Diseases know no borders—and neither should our compassion or collaboration.

Medical students across the world face extraordinary challenges, often in environments with limited resources. In parts of Africa, for example, students sometimes leave the profession out of fear of diseases like HIV/AIDS or because the physician-to-patient ratio is crushing. Their struggles remind us that medicine is a global calling. Expanding our perspective beyond our own struggles can actually ease our sense of isolation and burnout. This is why support groups work—when we hear others’ stories, we feel less alone.

A Call for Change to Medical Student Challenges

It's also essential for those in leadership—clerkship directors, deans, attending physicians—to recognize the mental health crisis among medical students. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are alarmingly high.

For too long, medical culture has dismissed mental health concerns as signs of weakness or lack of resilience. But ignoring these issues does a disservice not only to students but to the future patients they will care for. We must build a system that prioritizes wellness as much as academic performance. This includes ensuring students have protected time for breaks, hobbies, family, and rest.

And in parts of the world where arbitrary decisions—like punishing a student for having a certain name—still occur, there must be a cultural shift toward fairness, encouragement, and support.

The World Needs More of Us

Ultimately, the world desperately needs more healers. More scientists. More leaders in medicine who are not only knowledgeable but compassionate, balanced, and mentally healthy.

If you are a medical student reading this, know that your struggles have meaning. The sacrifices you are making now will have ripple effects far beyond what you can see today. Take care of yourself. Support your peers. Stay connected to the larger mission.

The world needs more of you—and more of me, too. Thank you for stepping up to this incredible calling.

About the author: Ife Shoyombo, MD is a PGY-3 General Surgery resident at Johns Hopkins. He is a USMLE tutor and application advisor for USMLE Pro.

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