Medical students on brink of entering a health system in crisis already burnt out by 'placement poverty'

In short:A lack of funding for medical students and unpaid placements are being blamed for the healthcare crisis and doctor shortage.Fifth-year medical student Tulani White regularly feels burnt out trying to working two jobs while studying and undertaking unpaid placement.What's next?The Australian Medical Student Association is calling on the federal government to include medical students in the recently announced Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme.Tulani White always wanted to be a doctor and it was no small feat when the girl from a working-class family in regional South Australia got into medicine.But as the fifth-year student prepares to enter an industry already in crisis, she is worried.The 25-year-old has not finished her degree but she often feels burnt out from studying, unpaid placements, and the cost of living."I love public health and primary prevention, and the idea that we can improve the overall health of the population," Ms White said."I really loved the idea of becomin...