How did High Achievers Deal with Challenges: A Qualitative Study?

• Main Authors: Chan Choong Foong, Nur Liyana Bashir Ghouse, Vinod Pallath, Nurul Atira Khairul Anhar Holder, An Jie Lye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amber Publication 2020-10-01
• Series: Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science
• Subjects: undergraduate medical education; high achievers; challenges in medical schools; qualitative study
• Online Access: https://www.jrmds.in/articles/how-did-high-achievers-deal-with-challenges-a-qualitative-study.pdf

Introduction: Medical students were bound to face academic and non-academic challenges in medical schools. Failures to deal with challenges could affect the well-being of students. This study aimed to explore the experiences of high achievers dealing with challenges in a medical school. It is postulated that high achievers also would be facing challenges like low achievers, but they manage the challenges better. Methods: This was a case study with grounded theory-based analysis. Fourteen high achievers in their preclinical studies were interviewed to collect data on how they dealt with challenges in a medical school. Two coders coded the interview transcripts using QDA Miner lite and categorized the codes into themes. Discussions were held among the coders to resolve any discrepancies. Results: Two themes emerged from the grounded theory-based analysis: help-seeking methods and stress-relieving methods. High achievers sought help from lecturers, peers, parents and religions. In addition, they allocated time for themselves to relieve stress and maintain a balance between their studies and well-being. Conclusion: High achievers faced challenges, and they adopted help-seeking and stress-relieving methods to deal with the challenges. Their useful personal experiences may be considered by medical schools to develop structured guides for their students.