Medical student knowledge and concern regarding mental health disclosure requirements in medical licensing

Abstract

Objective: Two-thirds of United States medical boards require disclosure of mental health treatment or diagnosis during licensure, with negative influence on physician well-being but unknown impact on medical students. This study sought to understand whether medical students perceive mental health treatment to be a threat to their future medical license.

Method: Students at an American medical school in a state without disclosure questions completed an anonymous fourteen question survey. Analysis with univariate and multivariate statistics explored knowledge, opinion, and impact of disclosure questions.

Results: Data was obtained from 327 medical students, a 53% response rate. The majority-91% (299)-were unsure or incorrect as to whether their state licensing board requires mental health disclosure. 33% (86) reported disclosure questions substantially discourage them from seeking mental health treatment. Of the 32% (105) who accessed mental health treatment during medical school, half-52% (74)-would not disclose during licensing. Those who believe that disclosure could impact their license were more likely to be discouraged from seeking care (OR, 5.23 [95% CI, 1.97-15.99]; P = 0.002). Most students-75% (245)-opposed mandatory disclosure.

Conclusions: Concern about mandatory mental health disclosure discourages medical students from seeking care, despite uncertainty about disclosure questions.

Keywords: Burnout; Medical education; Medical licensure; Medical students; Mental health.