Preparedness and Challenges in the Transition from Medical Students to Interns
A Cross-Sectional Study of Junior Doctors in Rivers State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Medical education combines theoretical and practical components; it is often considered an apprenticeship. While medical schools strive to provide a comprehensive foundation, the transition to internship introduces a new set of challenges and opportunities. This study assessed the transition from the interns' perspective to inform the development of targeted interventions and mentorship programs. A cross-sectional study design was used to survey ninety-eight (98) medical interns educated in the tertiary institutions in Rivers State, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, built on Google Forms. Data was collected through the interns’ WhatsApp group after obtaining ethical approval (PUMS/REC/2024/005). Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27 and was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages (%). Qualitative responses were analysed using inductive and deductive content and thematic analysis. Most respondents were within the age group 25 to 29 years, 59 (60.2%), 50 (51.0%) were females, and 9 (9.2%) were married. The study found that 87 (88.8%) had a good preparedness level for hospital practice, 43 (43.9%) had orientation before commencement of internship, and wished for more training before the internship. Emotional challenges were reported by 53 (54.1%) of interns, psychological challenges by 29 (29.6%), and only 13 (13.3%) found it easy/very easy to manage emotional well-being. The study revealed good preparedness for hospital practice among interns; gaps remain in pre-internship orientation, emotional readiness, and psychological support. Most interns received no emotional support. Advice, mentorship, and emotional encouragement were the most appreciated forms of support among those who received any.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mato Christie, Vivian Ifeoma Ogbonna, Opara Chidinma (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Mato Christie, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Professor of Anaesthesiology, University of Port Harcourt / Consultant Anaesthesiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; and Acting Vice Chancellor, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Vivian Ifeoma Ogbonna, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Consultant Community Medicine Physician, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria & Lecturer, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Opara Chidinma, PAMO Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Lecturer, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, & Consultant Community Medicine Physician, PAMO Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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