Creating Space for Well-Being in Medical School and Beyond

The harmful effects of medical education on student well-being are concerning with ever more frequent outcomes of burnout, depression, and even suicide. Medical schools are working to better understand factors that adversely affect student well-being, and to implement interventions, develop strategies for prevention, raise awareness, decrease stigma, encourage treatment, and promote lifelong resilience and wellness. In Missouri, statewide meetings among medical and osteopathic schools and legislative actions are aiding in these efforts. I am a psychiatrist, an educator, and a mentor, but my most important role is that of a medical student well-being advocate. Over the past 20 years, I have experienced great joy and satisfaction working with medical students while in these roles at the University of Missouri. I remain inspired by these future physicians and the stories of what they have experienced to get to where they are and who they want to become as a physician. Their compassion and their passion to serve are profound. Our students are often quite resilient and have grit. And yet, despite their strengths, intelligence, and resilience, many suffer and become at risk.