MEDICAL students are raising concerns about burnout and mental wellbeing as they transition into Fiji’s hospitals, questioning whether the workload is sustainable.
A student survey presented at the Fiji Medical Annual Scientific Conference 2026 on Friday found mixed experiences in clinical settings, with many responses on hospital support clustering around “neutral”.
Raijeli Waqainabete, a senior medical student who surveyed 66 students across Years 4 to 6, said mental health was a key issue flagged by respondents.
While students rated clinical attachments and trainee intern postings as “very useful” for building skills, they reported inconsistent support from hospital staff. Some were described as “available, approachable,” while others were not.
Ms Waqainabete recommended stronger mental health support for students, along with earlier hands-on training, more opportunities for electives and research, and greater student involvement in patient discussions.
“To the doctors in the room, include us so that we can be involved. Include us in your discussions… so that we can share our knowledge that we have,” she told delegates.
She said students represent the future of Fiji’s health workforce and need to be adequately prepared for that responsibility, sharing photos of herself and peers in PPE during a recent flu outbreak in Makoi.
A separate survey of 45 trainee interns also showed positive views of clinical training, but highlighted the need for more consistent support.
