With burnout among medical students at one in two, speaking to a student from the University of Otago on his podcast, Dr Sam Hazledine was shocked to hear that during exam time, it is more than one in two. 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 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 mental health 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 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.
Twenty finalists for the 2025 Medworld Institute Scholarship have been honoured as Medical Student Impact Medallists, recognising the next generation of healthcare leaders. Three will be selected for the scholarships by their peers.
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 recognised for their achievements with Medical Student Impact Medals.
The first scholarship programme of its kind, this programme supports medical students from across Australasia who make a meaningful impact on the well-being of their peers. Through advocacy, mental health initiatives, cultural leadership, or mentoring, each student has gone above and beyond to shape a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative medical future.
“We were incredibly moved by the calibre of applications. These students are leading with compassion, purpose, and a sense of responsibility to their peers and the future of healthcare.”
Hundreds of nominations were received from medical schools across Australia and New Zealand. Twenty outstanding students have been named Medical Student Impact Medallists, with one recipient from each category (Australia, Otago, and Auckland) to receive the 2025 Medworld Institute Scholarship, determined by peer vote.
“While we have selected the finalists, the ultimate scholarship recipients are voted on by your peers, by your peers,” said Hazledine. “Our goal is to recognise and amplify the stories of future doctors who are already making medicine better from within.”
Voting is now open to registered medical students and doctors and will remain open until May 5th. All finalist bios are displayed anonymously to ensure fairness and equity throughout the selection process.
