Number
603
Name
Bereavement during Medical School: Survey Results Show Need for StudentLed Support Group
Date & Time
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Cassandra M. Groth, PhD, Augusta University
Mitchell Hanson, BS, Augusta University
Presentation Topic(s)
Student Support
Description
PURPOSE
Bereavement during medical school is a distinct and isolating challenge,
intensified by the demands of training. Recent studies have documented that
60-75% of medical students experience the loss of a loved one before/during
medical education, yet only 23% report using institutional resources to cope
(Ferguson et al., 2023). Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact
of bereavement among health graduate students and to evaluate interest in
resources, with a specific focus on the feasibility of a student bereavement
support group.
METHODS
A voluntary, anonymous Qualtrics survey developed by medical students in
partnership with a faculty advisor was distributed across health programs
within a public medical university. The 12-item survey assessed whether
participants had experienced the loss of a loved one, how loss impacted their
wellbeing, and what resources they used to cope.
RESULTS
Fifty students completed the survey: 90% from medical school and 10% from
dental school. 40% reported losing a loved one during school and 24% lost
someone before school. 48% of respondents strongly agreed the loss affected
their wellbeing, and most agreed it impacted their academic/career success.
Only 7% reported using university resources for support, while 63% agreed
they would benefit from a student bereavement group. Students mainly desired
peer support from others with similar losses, but noted concerns about
privacy and increased emotional distress.
CONCLUSIONS
Students in medical and health professional programs face unique challenges
when experiencing bereavement, often navigating personal loss while
continuing to care for patients with terminal illness. Our survey results
confirm many students struggle to cope with bereavement and desire increased
services within their institutions, primarily those with students going
through similar experiences. Future goals include establishing a
confidential, student-led support group within the university that integrates
institutional resources, provides academic and clinical service
opportunities, and fosters mentorship and peer-bonding.
Bereavement during medical school is a distinct and isolating challenge,
intensified by the demands of training. Recent studies have documented that
60-75% of medical students experience the loss of a loved one before/during
medical education, yet only 23% report using institutional resources to cope
(Ferguson et al., 2023). Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact
of bereavement among health graduate students and to evaluate interest in
resources, with a specific focus on the feasibility of a student bereavement
support group.
METHODS
A voluntary, anonymous Qualtrics survey developed by medical students in
partnership with a faculty advisor was distributed across health programs
within a public medical university. The 12-item survey assessed whether
participants had experienced the loss of a loved one, how loss impacted their
wellbeing, and what resources they used to cope.
RESULTS
Fifty students completed the survey: 90% from medical school and 10% from
dental school. 40% reported losing a loved one during school and 24% lost
someone before school. 48% of respondents strongly agreed the loss affected
their wellbeing, and most agreed it impacted their academic/career success.
Only 7% reported using university resources for support, while 63% agreed
they would benefit from a student bereavement group. Students mainly desired
peer support from others with similar losses, but noted concerns about
privacy and increased emotional distress.
CONCLUSIONS
Students in medical and health professional programs face unique challenges
when experiencing bereavement, often navigating personal loss while
continuing to care for patients with terminal illness. Our survey results
confirm many students struggle to cope with bereavement and desire increased
services within their institutions, primarily those with students going
through similar experiences. Future goals include establishing a
confidential, student-led support group within the university that integrates
institutional resources, provides academic and clinical service
opportunities, and fosters mentorship and peer-bonding.