Medical students’ mental health

a school teacher’s reminiscences and conjectures

Abstract

The issue of medical students` mental health has been the subject of increasing concern worldwide. There is evidence that the course itself is related to the appearance of severe disorders, mainly depression and suicidal ideation, in this population. This paper seeks to deepen what exactly occurs in the teaching of medicine that entails this situation. Through the use of free association, we narrate some experiences as a student and as a teacher to discuss the factors involved: the so-called hidden curriculum, the ideology of non-involvement, the medical course as a total institution. We suggest measures to mitigate the aridity of the course, emphasizing the use of art and the formation of bonds to enable a pleasant learning experience for both teachers and students. It is proposed that teaching – as well as medicine- be science and art, and the paper itself seeks – as well as medicine and teaching do it - to aggregate science and art.