AbstractThere is growing clinical evidence that health professionals working with survivors of traumatic events may develop traumatic symptoms themselves. During their clinical practice, medical students are also at risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress. 168 medical students were surveyed to determine the presence of secondary traumatic stress and explore the relations to personality factors and motivation. The findings support the need for specific training on trauma exposure and traumatic stress management in medical education. Assessment should be connected to prevention and intervention efforts.