Challenges Faced by Talented Students in Medical Sciences Education: A Phenomenological Study Publisher



H Ashrafifard HOURA ; H Karimi Moonaghi HOSSEIN ; R Gharibnavaz RAHELEH ; Eh Ildarabadi Es HAGH
Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Talented students are among the key human resources in society, and educational and university authorities bear the responsibility of addressing the potential challenges they face. Therefore, identifying these challenges is essential. Objective: This research aimed to identify the challenges experienced by talented students and to propose possible solutions to help managers and planners design effective interventions. Methods: The participants were 50 talented students from healthcare sciences. A phenomenological approach was employed using Colaizzi’s seven steps method for data collection and analysis. Structured interviews were conducted with the students selected through purposive sampling. Results: Data analysis revealed the central theme of the “narrow alley of talents” accompanied by six main themes: “motivational slope”, “striving for improvement”, “uneven university path”, “social lens”, “family umbrella”, and “the bright side of talents”, each comprising several subthemes. Conclusion: The challenges faced by talented students can be mitigated and their competencies enhanced through tailored educational opportunities and services, counseling, and engagement of external motivational and support resources. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.