Background and objectives: Physicians have long been considered valued members of a solid US health care system. Significant changes in medical education, health care, and society at-large suggest that current medical students may face a different future. To help guide educators and policy makers, we set out to understand medical students' perceptions of the future of health care and their place in it.
Methods: In year one of a longitudinal study, we conducted in-depth interviews of Case Western Reserve University medical students. A multidisciplinary team performed iterative thematic analyses and sampling until reaching saturation on major themes.
Results: Eleven medical student participants described social and health care issues as major influences on their professional futures. Concerns included health care system failings, unsustainable costs, climate change, demographic shifts, disinformation, and public distrust in health care. Students looked forward to team practice and using technology, data, and artificial intelligence in care delivery. They hoped for greater access and equity in health care, with a focus on prevention and social, behavioral, and environmental drivers of health. Most students expected to be employed rather than in private practice and sought time/flexibility for professional and personal interests. Paying off medical school debt and advocating for patients and change were priorities. Many saw primary care as important, but fewer envisioned it as their career path of choice.
Conclusions: Medical students envision a future shaped by health care systems and social issues. These findings can inform those helping students prepare for uncertainty and rapid change in their careers, their lives, and the lives of their patients.