| Given the many pressures faced
by medical students and residents, what can be done to make mental health
counseling services more accessible?
Two major obstacles preventing most medical students
and residents from accessing mental health counseling services are finances
and confidentiality. Free, easily accessible services that eliminate the
risks of stigmatization and future repercussions within the Dean's letter
or the professional arena are essential for promoting increased use. More
importantly, emphasis should be placed increasingly on being proactive
by establishing wellness programs for our students and residents and then
encouraging them to use these throughout their training and beyond.
Michael G. Kavan, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Creighton University School of Medicine
Creating a positive environment for the physician-patient
relationship, without intrusion of business and economic concerns.
James Linder, M.D.
Interim Dean, University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Three elements are essential for ready access
to mental health services: 1) attendings/housestaff being alert to the
first signs of psychological difficulties in residents and medical students-erratic
attendance or performance, or deterioration in their handling of multiple
tasks; 2) the presence and support of a trusted senior physician with whom
the student can talk and through whom the referral can be made, with ongoing
monitoring by that senior person to ensure adequate follow-up; and 3) convenient
physical location and late afternoon or evening hours of the mental health
services, to reduce practical obstacles for the already hesitant referred
house officer or student.
Laurie Raymond, M.D.
Advising Resource Coordinator, Harvard Medical School
At the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,
counseling has been available since 1980. The counselor meets with all
first-year medical students during orientation week. Coping with first-year
stressors is discussed, and the counseling service is described. Students
contact the counselor via phone or e-mail. The counselor meets with students
where few faculty members work and where other medical students are unlikely
to be. Privacy, confidentiality, and a counselor's flexible work schedule
increase accessibility.
Lili Penkower, Ph.D.
Medical School Counselor Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Clinical
Epidemiology, and Psychiatry
|
Mental health counselors should participate in
orientation activities, and be visible and available throughout the year.
Counselors can provide individual evaluation, consultation, and referral,
and can facilitate workshops in depression, stress and anxiety, and death
and dying for both faculty and students. Institutions should: 1) provide
students with confidential consultation; 2) identify reduced-fee counseling
sites; and 3) arrange financial assistance as needed. Counselors should
collaborate with deans, students, and faculty in training healthy physicians.
Verna B. Lacey
Director, Student Support Services Boston University School of Medicine
Our Student Mental Health Service presents "The
Secrets to Maintaining Your Health, Happiness and Sanity!" to incoming
medical students each fall. Letters detailing our program and services
are sent to all medical students every year. The Student Advocacy Council
sponsors events and programs to help students cope and gives them options
for seeking help. Flyers about the Student Mental Health Service are posted
prominently in student meeting areas, and confidentiality is emphasized.
The Service sponsors a booth at our campus-wide wellness fair, and campus
publications run articles about it. Professors also have information and
often make referrals.
Linda Worley, M.D.
Director, Student Mental Health Service University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences
Next month's question: To consider them suitable
candidates, how much do voters need to know about the presidential contenders'
health?
Please send your responses (75 words or fewer)
to "Readers Respond," <tbentsen@aamc.org>,
or fax (202) 828-1123. Responses must be received by Jan. 14 for consideration,
and may be edited for length or clarity.
|
