In the rapidly evolving landscape of health professions education, the holistic wellbeing of medical students has emerged as a critical concern due to the trials and tribulations they have to cope with (e.g., rigor academic stress, sleep deprivation, continued exposure to illness and death, and training mistreatment etc.). The intersection of mental health and the educational process plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare professionals. This dedicated Research Topic seeks to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of mental health within the realm of health professions education.

Our mission is to explore, analyze, and disseminate knowledge surrounding the challenges, interventions, and innovations that impact the mental health of medical students. From the formidable stressors and demands inherent in medical curricula to the initiatives and support structures designed to cultivate resilience, this Research Topic aspires to be a comprehensive resource for educators, practitioners, researchers, and students alike.

We invite contributions that delve into the intricacies of mental health challenges specific to health professions education, the effectiveness of existing support programs, and novel approaches to fostering a healthy and sustainable learning environment. Through scholarly articles, research papers, and insightful commentaries, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and stimulate conversations that lead to positive change.

By providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences, this Research Topic endeavors to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on mental health in health professions education, ultimately fostering a community committed to the well-being of the next generation of healthcare professionals. Welcome to a space where we explore the delicate balance between academic rigor and the preservation of mental health in the journey of health professions education. More specifically, we expect the contribution from the following potential areas of focus and scope.

1. Mental Health Challenges in Health professions education:

• Explore the specific mental health challenges faced by medical students, including stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and behavioral manifestation.

• Examine the factors contributing to mental health issues in health professions education, such as academic pressures, workload, and the competitive nature of medical training.

2. Interventions and Support Programs:

• Showcase and evaluate existing interventions and support programs designed to enhance the mental well-being of medical students.

• Discuss the effectiveness of counseling services, mentorship programs, and other initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing mental health issues.

3. Curriculum and Educational Approaches:

• Investigate how the structure and content of medical curricula impact the mental health of students.

• Explore innovative educational approaches that promote a healthy work-life balance, resilience, and self-care skills.

4. Impact of Mental Health on Learning and Performance:

• Examine the relationship between mental health and academic performance in medical students.

• Investigate how mental health challenges may affect clinical skills development, decision-making, and overall competency.

5. Professionalism and Stigma:

• Address the stigma surrounding mental health within the medical community and its impact on seeking help.

• Explore how promoting a culture of openness and destigmatizing mental health can positively influence health professions education.

6. Technology and Mental Health:

• Investigate the role of technology in supporting the mental health of medical students, such as the use of mental health apps, virtual support groups, or online resources etc..

7. Faculty and Institutional Perspectives:

• Explore the role of faculty and institutions in creating a supportive and mentally healthy learning environment.

• Discuss policies, practices, and initiatives at the institutional level that contribute to or alleviate mental health challenges.

8. Global and Cultural Perspectives:

• Consider how cultural factors and variations in health professions education globally impact the mental health of medical students.

• Explore cross-cultural approaches to addressing mental health challenges in health professions education.

9. Long-term Outcomes:

• Investigate the long-term effects of mental health challenges during health professions education on the well-being and professional practices of healthcare professionals.

10. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss ethical considerations related to mental health research, interventions, and support programs in health professions education

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Frontiers in Psychiatry

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