Expectations and attitudes of medical students concerning work stress and the consequences of their future medical profession

In the following cross-sectional study 245 medical students from two differ ent terms (three years apart) were being questioned about work stress and t he consequences of their future medical profession. Attitudes and expectati ons regarding future work stress, work satisfaction, coping strategies, gen der specific problems, effects on private life and future quality of life w ere studied. As expected, students in the upper term were able to judge the ir professional and private future more realistically. The expectations of the advanced students are more realistic and as a consequence it is likely that a disillusioning process is taking place. The results contribute to a better understanding of the present study situation and well-being of medic al students concerning their professional and private future which is also important for teaching and the teaching professionals.