What We Are
AOO is a support service by student volunteers (M-2 through M-4 level) who are willing to give of their time and energy to help others through personal and professional challenges, on a one-to-one basis. It is open to medical students in all years, and at all sites.
We know first hand the challenges that await medical students, and we can provide a "reality check" about problems that commonly face students after they get here. Often, a listening ear, and a non-judgmental person "who has been there," is all that's needed to help people in crisis find their own way.
Please Note: We are not a professional service, and we are not a substitute for professional help where it is needed. We are volunteers.
Our Mission:
- We want to assist our fellow students as they deal with challenges in personal, academic, social, and financial arenas.
- We are committed to a standard of confidentiality and constructive rapport with our student colleagues.
- We want to come alongside to support, advise, challenge, and encourage our fellow students.
- We want to help ourselves and our peers achieve our maximum potential as future physicians
Filling a Need:
In a perfect world, all medical students could address their challenges, conflicts, and crises by drawing on their own strength and experience, or by reaching out to friends, family, faculty, or administration. However, not all students have such a network in place. Moreover, the shift to a new environment can further disrupt support systems. Although Peer Mentors give group support to incoming students, this format does not lend itself to discussion of personal problems. AOO volunteers provide an additional opportunity for private, individual discussion to alleviate anxiety and facilitate conflict resolution. This student-to-student interaction is more confidential than a group format, but less formal than a professional counseling service. It is "user friendly" for medical students as they adjust the unfamiliar, and often overwhelming, mileu of medical school.
"Although I did not utilize AOO last year, I did need the help and encouragement of many of the upper classmen...people who I trusted and looked up to... I want to be part of AOO simply to pass that encouragement on to the members of next year's incoming class."
"It is important to be of service and encourage those around you. I believe AOO encourages and stands for these ideals."
"I have had many friends who have trusted me enough as a listener to share some pretty intense problems..."
"I feel that it is difficult to admit weakness or a need for many students in medical school. I have seen that in myself..."
Contact Us
College of Medicine
Office of Student Affairs
62 South Dunlap, Suite 407
Memphis, TN 38163
Phone: (901) 448-5684
Fax: (901) 448-7085
