Embedding interpersonal stigma resistance into the medical curriculum: a focus group study of medical students.

Background: Mental-health-related stigma among physicians towards people with mental illnesses remains a barrier to quality care, yet few curricula provide training with a proactive focus to reduce the potential negative impacts of stigma. The aim of our study was to explore medical students' perspectives on what areas of learning should be targeted (where stigma presents) and how they could be supported to prevent the formation of negative attitudes.

Methods: Six focus group discussions were conducted with second, third, and fourth-year postgraduate medical students (n = 34) enrolled at The University of Melbourne Medical School in September - October 2021.