Welcome to the 21st WCP Virtual Congress Program Scheduling

High prevalence of mental health issues among medical students was already a public health concern prior to COVID-19 Pandemic. In fight against Coronavirus disease, medical students have been particularly affected and are facing unprecedented challenges. Many factors including fear of infection, closure of medical colleges, widespread transition and adjustment to online learning, academic stress, abrupt cancellation of clinical postings, changes in assessments and less social and academic support by friends and colleagues due to lockdown may be attributed towards increase vulnerability in medical students to depression and anxiety. In addition, for some students living at homes in the absence of peer interactions and support, may further have the potential to impact negatively on their well-being. The aim of proposed session is to provide a much-needed understanding of the mental health impacts of COVID-19 among medical students across the globe. Presenters from Qatar, Pakistan and Canada will present their work and provide valuable insight about the psychological impact of COVID-19 among medical students and need for medical colleges administrators and leaders to take the lead in promoting help seeking behaviors among medical students, who are feeling depressed and anxious and ensuring the provision of adequate support. It will emphasize that Psychological morbidity in medical students can be tackled by timely, culturally sensitive and confidential multilevel interventions.