The Social Background and Finances of Medical Students at Dalhousie University

Abstract

Factors that may affect the supply of physicians in the Atlantic Provinces were examined by studying the social and financial background of Dalhousie medical students. In contrast to the regional population, they were predominantly of city origin and from well-educated, well-to-do families. Their median annual costs were $1915 for single and $4420 for married students. Earnings and family contributions each furnished about a third of the single student's funds. The wife's earnings constituted one-third, and the largest single source, of the married student's funds. Loans accounted for 18% and 12% respectively of their income. Twenty-two per cent of students had had some interruption of their pre-medical studies for financial reasons.The major unknown factor in the problem is the number of qualified and aspiring students who do not reach medical school.Direct governmental subsidization of the medical student may well be necessary if the increasing need for physicians is to be met.