One in two medical students facing burnout: Scholarships reveal impact of low income, relocation costs and lack of support on student wellbeing

With burnout among medical students at one in two, speaking to a student from the University of Otago for his podcast, Dr Sam Hazledine was shocked to hear that when it comes to exam time, it is even higher. The student described it as "almost everyone."

Dr Sam Hazledine has long been an advocate for doctor wellbeing, best known for successfully amending the Declaration of Geneva, the modern-day Hippocratic Oath, to include the health and wellbeing of the doctor. After engaging with New Zealand medical students, he has widened the scope of his focus, recognising that the wellbeing challenges faced by students are rapidly mirroring those of the wider profession.

Hazledine’s non-profit, Medworld Institute, focuses on researching doctor wellbeing, whilst supporting junior doctors and medical students, has implemented a scholarship program to recognise medical students who are impacting the well-being of their peers.

“When students applied or were nominated for our scholarships, they were asked to share a sentence about their financial need. The responses painted a clear picture: low income, relocation costs, and lack of support are common, and they significantly impact student wellbeing,” said Hazledine.

A student prompting equitable access who has helped over 250 students, advocates for Pacific Islander and Māori students creating safe spaces and promoting cultural safety, and first-family students supporting other refugees to study medicine are just some medical students receiving the scholarships.

After receiving over 179 inspiring applications from medical students across New Zealand and Australia, finalists were selected based on their demonstrated impact within their cohort and commitment to the health of the profession. In keeping with the Institute’s values of community-led change, the final scholarship recipients were determined through a peer voting process, meaning the outcome was by medical students, for medical students.

“These students are already shaping the future of healthcare,” says Dr Sam Hazledine, founder of the Medworld Institute. “Their leadership, compassion, and advocacy show that real change begins at the grassroots level, and we are honoured to support them.”

From the University of Otago, Bellal Sediqi, is from a low SES background, and works to improve access for students facing similar systemic barriers. From the University of Auckland Greeshma Rao Kasuganti is a mentor and Director of Events for the Women in Health Network, helping female students across health specialties connect and support each other.

Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 to support their studies and continued efforts in advancing student wellbeing and professional development. The scholarships were launched as part of the Institute’s mission to champion doctor and medical student wellbeing, reduce burnout, and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

University of Otago Scholarship recipient

Bellal Sediqi - Low SES background, driving policy change at Otago

From a low SES background, Bellal works to improve access for students facing similar systemic barriers. Through the Pathway to Tertiary Education Network (PTEN), he has helped drive policy change across high schools and university. He also directly mentored Māori, Pacific, refugee, and low SES students—supporting their entry into medicine and other health professional programs. His focus is long-term change: ensuring students don’t just get in, but are represented, supported, and able to thrive.

Auckland University Scholarship recipient

Greeshma Rao Kasuganti - Financial support for first-in-family student in NZ

Greeshma is a supportive, positive presence at UoA Med School. As NZMSA pre-clinical rep, she advocates for student wellbeing and co-founded a mentoring programme with AUMSA. Through her role at NZMSA, she contributes to mahi in organising events. She’s a mentor and Director of Events for the Women in Health Network, helping female students across health specialties connect and support each other. She’s a familiar, caring face on campus, always ready to listen, offer encouragement, and check in on peers. Her dedication to community and wellbeing has made a meaningful impact on students around her.

Australian Open Scholarship recipient

Maysam Al Asedy - Support for wellbeing research and development

Maysam led initiatives to improve medical student wellbeing, including introducing “wellbeing days” for students to take time off without needing to provide a reason. As the Curtin Association of Medical Students’ first Equity director, she ran mental health events and formed a wellbeing working group to connect students and staff. She’s also been a student rep on the Education Committee for three years, working with faculty to improve attendance flexibility and advocating for free access to online study resources to ease financial strain.