Stories of Bereavement: Examining Medical Students’ Reflections on Loss and Grief

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we used thematic analysis to examine reflective essay data from students at a United States public medical school ( N = 60). We sought to identify how students describe their experiences of loss and grief, as well as examine differences between students’ responses to personal and professional loss. Students in both groups reported similar reactions with some expected differences: Students who experienced professional loss more often emphasized skills focused on helping patients’ families. In accounts of personal loss, students appeared more focused on their own grief and helplessness. Students in both groups noted many positive as well as negative reactions. Students recounting both types of loss reported little about how they coped with grief or about receiving either informal or institutional support. Medical educators should help students develop effective coping skills in response to loss and provide better institutional support during times of bereavement.