In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of human connections to maintain good mental health. At the time, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine recognized that it needed a way for its students to maintain or improve their well-being and stay connected to each other. The college introduced the Student 2 Student Mental Health Liaison Program in response.
Four years later, the program has become a model for graduating resilient students ready to face the high-stress demands of the medical profession. Clinical psychologist Nathaly Shoua Desmarais leads the program. “Our mission is to graduate the healthiest students,” she says.
Even before the pandemic, the National Academy of Medicine found that “burnout had reached ‘crisis levels’ with…45-60% of medical students and residents reporting symptoms of burnout.” The academy defines burnout as an occupational syndrome characterized by a high degree of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (i.e., cynicism) and a low sense of personal accomplishment at work.
At FIU, Student 2 Student program volunteers work to nip that in the bud. The student supporters–about 10 students at a time–are charged with advocating for well-being within their cohort. They receive robust instruction throughout their tenure, including attending an 8-hour training sessionMental Health First Aid offered through the National Council of Mental Well-Being.
The wellness champions are then expected to develop supportive relationships that help fellow students uncover their own solutions for mental health and wellness through support, reflective listening, and providing information and resources; link students to College of Medicine or FIU-wide support services; respond to any student’s urgent situation; and partner with administrators to help them understand the learning experiences of students.
In addition, to alleviate stress and build community, wellness champions will often organize social events like beach volleyball the day after big exams. Student supporter Chelsey Ameda says the program and events like this help med students be “gentler” with themselves and others.
The second-year med student is always available if a fellow student needs to talk and is attuned to their needs. “The program gives me an opening to check in on someone who may not be acting like themselves.”
Recently, Student 2 Student peer supporter Laury Anne Jean-Paul, M.D. ’24 – who is starting a psychiatry residency at Boston University this summer – conducted a survey of her peers about the initiative. Jean-Paul found the vast majority of students appreciated the program and felt it helped them succeed personally and academically. She presented her findings at the American Psychiatric Association conference in October, hoping to inspire other organizations to prioritize medical students’ mental health.
Meet HWCOM's visiting dog-tor!
When FIU med students are stressed, the best prescription is a petting session with Charlotte, a certified service and therapy dog. The 4-year-old Whoodle, a soft-coated Wheaten Terrier mixed with a Poodle, visits with the doctors in training after exams. Charlotte’s pet mom is Assistant Dean for Student Success and Wellbeing Nathaly Desmarais. Desmarais started bringing Charlotte to campus in 2022.
“Coming out of the exam, [students are] full of stress hormones, and when you see a dog and pet the dog, it releases oxytocin, and a calming effect occurs.”
Recently, students studying for exams had a chance to visit with Charlotte. “I feel better already,” said med student Daniela Martinez after petting the canine.