Support for medical students

If you are struggling with death and dying on placement, know that you are not alone. Finding support and knowing how to navigate grief is difficult. Here you will find resources tailored to medical students.

If you require further support, you will find more general resources on our website here

A Dose of Grief is not an emergency support service

These services are not all crisis-support or emergency support services.

If you are in an emergency situation or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, please call 000.

If you are experiencing crisis, or are worried about yourself or someone else, please contact Lifeline by phoning 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14, or if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please contact 13YARN on 13 92 76

Kids Helpline is available 24/7 to support young people aged between five and 25, call 1800 551 800

Support websites

BereaveMed

This US based online resource that is designed to help medical students address their experiences with death and grief through connection and collaboration. It consists of blog posts, resources and grief support.

The Wind Rises: Support for Bereaved Medical Students

This UK based website has space for information and sharing that catered to the experience of loss during the medical training and the unique aspects of that for medical students. It has resources on their website, and links to external supports.

The Student Grief Network

This UK based website and initiative aims to soften the impact of bereavement in universities by raising awareness and creating a range of avenues for support – from online resources and staff training to creative projects and events.

Articles

Coping with Death as a Future Doctor

This post explores aspects of medicine that students should be prepared for, in order to handle the inevitability of patient deaths. It provides tips and approaches to talking about death and dealing with dying patients and their families.

The effect of patient death on medical students in the emergency department

This paper examined aspects of patient deaths in the Emergency Department that most strongly influence students’ reactions while comparing it to those of an inpatient setting. The ED is unique in that it is more likely to have sudden deaths, and expectations of the clinicians to return to the work environment immediately.

Dealing with death: medical students' experiences with patient loss

This article explores in depth interviews with medical students, providing descriptions of their experiences with death whilst on placement. It explores the common emotions, coping strategies and effects of other medical staff on their experiences.

Witnessing death for the first time

Two fourth-year students discuss learning off-the-books during their time volunteering in the ITU and their experiences of death during this placement.