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Background: A survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students towards Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPs)/phytopharmaceuticals/phytotherapy. Methods: In total, 150 students were interviewed in three regions: Germany (n = 50; 64 % female, 36 % male), Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary (n = 50; 64 % female, 36 % male) as well as Italy and Spain (n = 50; 68 % female, 28 % male, 4 % divers). Results: Approximately 70 % of participants in all three regions reported having at least some knowledge in this field. While half of the German students held a favorable view of HMPs/phytopharmaceuticals, only 30 % in Italy and Spain and 22 % in the three Eastern countries shared this perspective. Most interviewed students expressed an interest in learning more about the topic, with their primary sources of information being university courses and seminars with practising physicians. Scientific organisations, scientific publications, university professors and lecturers were identified as strongest, most credible influence on the opinion. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential for national or international associations to offer relevant education in this field, with a focus on therapeutic effects and evidence regarding benefits and risks.

We thank the editor for allowing us to respond to the comments by Akshara et al. The authors concur with us on unpreparedness and goes on to highlight how female doctors are over-worked during the pandemic. In this response, we also discuss why providing free data will not bring about significant change in students’ perception of online classes. We then advise how students can learn basic examination skills during the pandemic. Finally, we express our views on government and universities and finish with a recommendation that would help future doctors in times like the COVID-19 pandemic.