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Article
The Role of Extracurricular Activities and Lectures in Mitigating Medical Student Burnout
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Jennifer C Sepede, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Joanna Petrides, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Philip B Collins, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Meredith C Jones, Rowan University
  • Nicole Cantor, Rowan University
  • Linda Boyd, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Document Type
Article
Version Deposited
Published Version
Publication Date
7-1-2021
DOI
10.1515/jom-2020-0311
Abstract

CONTEXT: Strong evidence throughout the literature highlights burnout as a significant and increasing problem among medical students, impacting students' ability to effectively care for and empathize with patients.

OBJECTIVES: To examine how involvement in extracurricular activities and attendance at burnout lectures can impact burnout among medical students.

METHODS: An anonymous digital survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was sent to all students (n=765) at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. The survey included questions regarding the number of burnout/wellness lectures respondents had attended, the number of clubs in which the respondents participated, the number of hours spent in these clubs, and any leadership positions held by the respondents.

RESULTS: Of the 765 students enrolled, 597 completed the survey. Results indicated that women participated in significantly more clubs than men (

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the importance of understanding what drives burnout on the individual level and adapting interventions to suit the needs of individual students, rather than the student body as a whole.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Sepede JC, Petrides J, Collins PB, Jones MC, Cantor N, Boyd L. The role of extracurricular activities and lectures in mitigating medical student burnout. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 2021 Jul;121(7):617-623. Epub 2021 Apr 23. doi: 10.1515/jom-2020-0311. PMID: 33892526.