Developing a Program to Promote Stress Resilience and Self-Care in First Year Medical Students

Authors

  • Suzanne Thomas Medical Univ South Carolina
  • Myra Haney Medical University of South Carolina
  • Chris Pelic Medical University of South Carolina
  • Darlene Shaw Medical University of South Carolina
  • Jeffrey Wong Medical University of South Carolina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36548

Abstract

Background:  Facilitating stress resilience in future physicians is an important role of medical educators and administrators. We developed and piloted an extracurricular program on stress management with first year medical students.

Methods:  Presentations on topics related to mental health, help-seeking, and stress resilience were presented (one topic per session). Attendance was voluntary. Attendees were requested to complete anonymous evaluations following each presentation. Primary outcome variables were rates of agreement that the presentation (1) was interesting, (2) provided valuable information, and (3) provided information relevant for the student’s future practice as a physician.

Results:  Each of the seven topics was attended on average by approximately half of the student body. Evaluations were positive in that presentations were interesting and provided information useful to maintaining balance during medical school (all had ? 85% rates of agreement). Evaluations by students were variable (41% - 88% rates of agreement) on whether each presented information relevant for future practice.

Conclusions:  The results indicate that first-year medical students value explicit guidance on ways to bolster stress resilience and self-care during medical school. It is important to clarify with each presentation how the information is relevant to their future practice as a physician.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biographies

Suzanne Thomas, Medical Univ South Carolina

Associate Professor

Director of Research and Assessment

Myra Haney, Medical University of South Carolina

Director of Academics and Student Support, College of Medicine

Chris Pelic, Medical University of South Carolina

Associate Dean for Students, College of Medicine

Darlene Shaw, Medical University of South Carolina

Associate Provost for Education & Student Life

Jeffrey Wong, Medical University of South Carolina

Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, College of Medicine

Downloads

Published

2011-06-03

How to Cite

1.
Thomas S, Haney M, Pelic C, Shaw D, Wong J. Developing a Program to Promote Stress Resilience and Self-Care in First Year Medical Students. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2011 Jun. 3 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];2(1):e32-e36. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36548

Issue

Section

Brief Reports