I love these suggestions, Carolyn, and the encouragement to be a resource to students in out-of-the-box ways. As a psychologist working in academic medicine in a non-clinical role, I'm used to lots of tears (and also stock the good tissues and chocolate!) but I can promise that you don't have to be a mental health professional to provide compassionate support that doesn't feel 'therapy-y'. Most times our learners simply need another human who is calm and differentiated and open to hearing about how this journey is affecting them as a human.
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Kelly R Shaw, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, GME Well-Being Program Director
Geisinger College of Health Sciences
krshaw1@geisinger.edu------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2025 09:40:57 AM
From: Carolyn Pointer
Subject: Introduction
Welcome to this community, and to academic medicine!
As a non-physician at a School of Medicine, I would suggest you craft an "elevator pitch" about how you can help students become better doctors. Connect with your Dean of Students about the MATCH process, and how you can help students navigate it.
I tell our students that here in the Department of Medical Humanities, we like to write, and edit, and we are happy to help edit their personal statements. We also stock "good" tissues, and are happy to let students talk about their concerns. For example, yesterday I met with a student who was having a hard time navigating patient deaths. We were supposed to talk about something else, but that is what she needed. My office is stocked with tea, a comfy chair, and chocolate. Sometimes that is what students need – a soft place to land with their feelings.
(I also have the number for student mental health services, but often, our students just want to let out their feelings.)
Carolyn Pointer, JD
(She/ Her)
Associate Professor, Dept. of Medical Humanities
801 N. Rutledge MC 9603, Springfield, IL 62702
W. 217-545-4391
Original Message:
Sent: 9/23/2025 1:13:00 PM
From: Arturo Avila
Subject: Introduction
Hello everyone,
My name is Arturo Avila, and I'm excited to share that this is my first year in the College of Medicine. As I begin this journey, I'm eager to learn from those who have already navigated this path. Any insights, advice, or best practices would be greatly appreciated. I would also love to connect with others as we move forward together in this experience.
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Arturo Avila
Associate Director of Career Advising
*Nonmember Institution
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