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Undergraduate Medical Education

Counselling for Medical Students

 

Medicine is a demanding profession. Being a medical student is not always easy; it requires a strict regimen of studying, lectures, labs, and problem solving. Coping with stress is an essential part of practising medicine/dentistry and the process begins in medical/dental school.

At Western's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, a number of services are available offering personal and professional counselling, to prevent stress or other problems from becoming overwhelming.

The Learner Equity & Wellness unit has counsellors available for personal counselling, discussion of problems, career planning, requests for accommodation, etc. Seeking counselling does not jeopardize a student's standing in the program and is held in strict confidence. If referral to another professional is required the staff will assist in the arrangements. During the Orientation Program new medical students are given an Orientation Handbook listing other campus and faculty units that provide support services (e.g. Student Development Centre, Student Health Services, Ombudsperson, Campus Ministry Centre, Services for Students with Disabilities, etc.).

The Learner Equity & Wellness office is located in the Kresge Building, Room K1. The telephone number is currently 519 661-3744 and will be 519 661-2111 x 80405 (effective Sept 12).  Messages can be left before and after hours.

Counselling & Enquiry Process for Issues Related to Equity & Gender

 

Pregnancy / Parental Leave Program

 

In accordance with an emphasis on progressive services for our students and residents, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry acknowledges the need for individuals to have special arrangements made during their educational program for the purpose of Pregnancy/Parental Leave. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry strongly supports and encourages its students and trainees to take a full year for their Pregnancy/Parental Leave. Students are advised to consult the Associate Dean, Learner Equity and Wellness (K1; 519-661-2111 ext 80405) and explore the best possible arrangement for the intended leave.

Details with respect to Pregnancy/Parental Leave for the Undergraduate Medical Program are as follows:
 
• During Years 1 and 2: Students who take a one-year pregnancy/parental leave will be able to resume their program of study 12 months following the start of their leave.
• During Years 3 and 4: As it is for students in years 1 and 2, students who take a one-year pregnancy/parental leave will be able to resume their program of study 12 months following the start of their leave. Alternatively, however, year 3 and 4 students who do not wish to delay their original date of graduation may consider taking a four-week pregnancy/parental leave. Arrangements can be made for students to make up for clinical duties missed during the four-week pregnancy/parental leave.