It could be a headache that suddenly feels serious, or a muscle twitch that sparks concern. For many medical students, learning about disease can make ordinary sensations feel alarming.
This experience, known as medical student syndrome, is a common phenomenon for students in medical training where they begin to feel health anxiety fearing they may have one of the illnesses they are studying. According to Peter Bidey, DO '08, MSEd, FACOFP, dean of the osteopathic medicine program and chief academic officer at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the syndrome reflects both the intensity of medical education and the power of new medical knowledge.
“Most of the time, there isn’t a true medical issue, but it still can be very scary for the student," Bidey said. “But that new knowledge still has value, because it helps you recognize when something may be worth checking out – and if you're concerned, following up with your physician is always a good step.”
Medical student syndrome often appears early in training, when students are learning diseases in pieces before developing full clinical context. Without the big picture, normal bodily sensations can be misinterpreted.
“When you're first learning bits and pieces, it's hard not to think you might have
something,” Bidey said.
Stress, long study hours and the mental shift from learner to potential diagnostician
can further heighten those concerns.
Bidey encourages students to focus on patterns rather than isolated symptoms. “Things that persist or keep happening are more concerning than something that happened once,” he said.
Perspective can also be reassuring. Having one vague symptom out of many required for a diagnosis often helps students step back and reassess. Talking concerns through with classmates, faculty members or a personal physician can also provide comfort and clarity. “In the end, if you are concerned, nothing beats a good history and physical experience by your own provider.”
While frightening, medical student syndrome can help students grow into more compassionate physicians. Experiencing fear and uncertainty firsthand can offer insight into what patients feel when they are seeking care.
“These moments help you learn how to explain, reassure and know when to dig deeper,” Bidey said. “It's this perspective of understanding people that ultimately makes you a better osteopathic physician.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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