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Senior medical students lack confidence in their abilities and some believe they have insufficient knowledge to practise safely, a survey shows.
The survey, published in the latest New Zealand Medical Journal, found that just over half of fourth and fifth-year Auckland University students questioned had doubts about their level of knowledge.
Only one-third of the 156 students surveyed felt their knowledge of anatomy was sufficient to practise safely and fewer than 20 per cent felt they knew enough about pharmacology.
Under half (45 per cent) felt the science curriculum was relevant.
Medical Students' Association acting president Brad Stone said concerns had been raised that students spent too much time learning bio-psycho-social medicine - the study of behaviour, personal interaction and patient communication - at the expense of scientific knowledge.
Authors Phillip Insull and Phil Blyth said medical schools had moved away from "boring" basic science concepts to emphasising "clinically integrated problem-based learning".
Christchurch School of Medicine Professor of General Practice Les Toop said the results were not surprising. "Students have never felt safe. The amount you need to know looks impossible."
- NZPA
