This study showed that gender and study programs were significantly associated with the levels of life satisfaction among Chinese medical students. After adjustment for these two demographic factors, perceived stress accounted for 12% of the variance in life satisfaction. Resilience played a mediating role in the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. Therefore, the relevant university and medical school authorities could undertake evidence-based measures not only to reduce the perceived stress among medical students, but also to enhance their resilience in order to promote their life satisfaction.