How to … Create Peer-Facilitated Support Groups for Health Professions Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychology
• Student Well-being

Background:

• Medical student mental health declines during training, with high rates of burnout.
• Existing support models face limitations in facilitator availability and student concerns.
• A culture of perfectionism in medicine hinders vulnerability and meaningful peer connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement unstructured, participant-directed, near-peer facilitated support groups for medical students.
• To create brave and safe spaces for meaningful interaction and peer support.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of near-peer facilitated support groups.
• Empowerment of student facilitators through training, faculty advising, and resource provision.
• Unstructured, participant-directed group sessions focused on honest connection and normalization of experiences.

Main Results:

• Participants and facilitators valued the opportunity for honest peer connection.
• Experiences were normalized within the support group setting.
• The groups fostered a sense of belonging and improved well-being.

Conclusions:

• Near-peer facilitated support groups show potential for enhancing the medical training experience.
• These groups can promote student well-being and mental health.
• This model may contribute to shaping a more supportive culture in medicine.