For medical students, having a sense of community and creating a home away from home is fundamental to wellness and success. Fortunately, there are many ways for students to acclimate and find support on campus at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine.
Dean of Students, Dr. Lucy Clunes, describes campus support as being like family for the duration of medical students’ time at SGU. She describes it as a community, emphasizing the various organizations and societies students can join.
“We want to give students the best possible learning opportunities available so they can reach their full potential,” said Dr. Clunes.
SGU News sat down with Dr. Clunes to learn more about how medical students can make the most of their education. Here are three pieces of advice she shared.
1. Seek mentorship opportunities
Dr. Clunes highlights the importance of from different individuals, as areas of expertise vary between faculty members.
Students are encouraged to seek guidance from all faculty members, Faculty are always available to help guide students, and anyone can be approached for mentorship opportunities.”
“Students are encouraged to seek guidance from all faculty members,” said Dr. Clunes. “Faculty are always available to help guide students, and anyone can be approached for mentorship opportunities.”
2. Take advantage of the dedicated support services on campus
Resources for students at SGU include academic and non-academic support, such as assisting with accommodations and accessibility requirements, helping international students with transit visas, providing health and psychological services, and familial support. Students can get involved on campus through a variety of organizations and societies, such as the student government association, recreational activities, cultural, spiritual, and academic organizations, intermural sports, and events on and off campus in the Caribbean or SGU’s other campuses.
3. Prioritize your physical and mental health
Dr. Clunes emphasizes the importance of managing both mental and physical health, especially given the stress and pressure of being a medical student.
“Balance is critical since efficiency productivity as a student requires you to be physically and mentally healthy”
“Balance is critical since efficiency productivity as a student requires you to be physically and mentally healthy,” said Dr. Clunes.
To encourage students to take care of their health at SGU, the wellness center on campus is an excellent resource offering fitness classes, including yoga, cardio, and high-intensity interval training. SGU’s focus on health includes treatments like weekly massages, aromatherapy, and wellness days offered throughout the semester.
With a full-service wellness center, mentorship opportunities, and more than 80 student organizations and societies to choose from, incoming medical students can rest assured that they will receive as much guidance and support as they need while acclimating to a new environment. The available resources support all SGU medical students as they create a sense of community and work toward their future careers as physicians.
