Student Perspectives
"Medical School can be a very trying time... It is important to have an outlet who can easily relate to the struggles of medical school... only those who have been there can truly understand the rigors of, and the feelings associated with being a medical student."
"There is an important role for AOO for many students who would not seek professional advice... But may be willing to just talk to a concerned, caring peer."
"The first year of medical school is the ultimate challenge. I could not have made it through without my wonderful support system. Several M-2s were part of that support system."
"Being married I have realized that even my wife can't always empathize and counsel me because she is not directly involved in med school... Med students helping med students confidentially is an excellent idea; I'm glad it became a program."
"I had a very difficult time adjusting to medical school. Only recently have I begun to feel comfortable here, and like I have somewhat of a handle on things... The feeling of being out of control was new to me..."
"As medical students, we have many pressures on us, and these are often pushed aside because there is an expectation for us to keep it all together..."
"Counseling and mentorship at this higher academic level are a vital necessity to enable students to become properly adjusted to all the strains that this increased scholastic stress places on us.
"This past year, I felt the strong need to talk to others about personal concerns without compromising my academic relationship with members of my own class."
