26gma233 10.3205/26gma233 urn:nbn:de:0183-26gma2330 Meeting Abstract Ritter Ritter Annika A

Bundesverband der Veterinärmedizinstudierenden in Deutschland e.V., München, Germany

author Rademann Rademann Anna A

Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Einheit für Tierschutzwissenschaften, Wien, Austria

author Bölke Bölke Marie Louise ML

Bundesverband der Veterinärmedizinstudierenden in Deutschland e.V., München, Germany

author Konrad Konrad Joshua-Noah JN

Universität Leipzig, Abteilung Funktionelle Histologie und Embryologie, Veterinär-Anatomisches Institut, Leipzig, Germany

author German Medical Science GMS Publishing House

Düsseldorf

610 20260904 engl This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Dieser Artikel ist ein Open-Access-Artikel und steht unter den Lizenzbedingungen der Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (Namensnennung). M0655 233 Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Medizinische Ausbildung (GMA) SYM-86 Mental Health in Medical Students: Challenges, Transitions, and Support Dresden 20260917 20260919 SYM-8604 TextProblem description: German veterinary medicine students experience high levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide , . The mental health working group of the German veterinary students’ association (bvvd e.V.; Bundesverband der Veterinärmedizinstudierenden in Deutschland e.V.) provides peer support groups and a helpline (PSG&H).Project description: Stressors were documented by PSG&H facilitators between 2022 and January 2026. In addition, survey data were analyzed, including a 2024 survey ) conducted in cooperation with TVD Finanz GmbH & Co. KG with more than 1,000 participants.Results: Twenty-nine percent of over 400 respondents identified the preclinical phase as the most challenging part of their studies. In the 2024 survey, 80% reported fear of failing exams and high workload as major stressors; 66% described anxiety related to examination situations. Financial concerns (41%) and combining work with studies (40%) were also common.PSG&H reports confirm exam anxiety – including concerns about third attempts – as a central issue. Interpersonal stressors included difficult interactions with teaching staff, insecurity in communication with administrative bodies, and limited trust in university structures. Insufficient support for chronically ill students was also noted. Unclear communication, such as ambiguous exam schedules, added further stress. Ethical concerns referred to animal cadavers, animal experimentation, and the mandatory slaughterhouse internship.Discussion: Many stressors are intensified by poor communication and the perception of not being taken seriously. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions in teaching and academic structures. The revision of the Veterinary Licensure Ordinance (TAppV) provides an opportunity to integrate mental health promotion – particularly stress and learning management – into the curriculum. Strengthening liaison structures between universities and students may support early identification of concerns. Services must be accessible and tailored to veterinary medicine students’ needs. Providing key study information at least two weeks in advance could improve planning reliability.Take-home messages: Veterinary medicine students face a substantial mental health burden.Workload, interpersonal conflicts, and poor communication are key stressors.Mental health promotion should be embedded in the curriculum.Accessible, tailored support services are essential. Siqueira Drake AA Hafen M Rush BR Reisbig AM Predictors of anxiety and depression in veterinary medicine students: a four-year cohort examination 2012 J Vet Med Educ 322-330 Siqueira Drake AA, Hafen M, Rush BR, Reisbig AM. Predictors of anxiety and depression in veterinary medicine students: a four-year cohort examination. J Vet Med Educ. 2012;39(4):322-330. DOI: 10.3138/jvme.0112-006R https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.0112-006R Schunter N Glaesmer H Lucht L Bahramsoltani M Depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk in German veterinary medical students compared to the German general population 2022 PLoS One e0270912 Schunter N, Glaesmer H, Lucht L, Bahramsoltani M. Depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk in German veterinary medical students compared to the German general population. PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0270912. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270912 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270912 Uniteam der TVD Finanz GmbH & Co. KG 2024 Studierendenumfrage Uniteam der TVD Finanz GmbH & Co. KG. Studierendenumfrage. 2024. 0 0 0 0