Medical Student Life Advising
The concept of a medical student life advisor was conceived in 2005 as an answer to the needs of the medical student population for an advisor who is not involved in student evaluation. It is one of the first of its kind in medical schools throughout the nation.
In autumn of 2005, a student-led search committee interviewed candidates and selected an individual, Associate Professor Rebecca Smith-Coggins, MD, who joined the faculty of Stanford University in 1987. She helped to start the Emergency Medicine Residency Program and was the program’s first residency director for 12 years. She was appointed the Medical Student Life Advisor in April, 2006. Her title was changed to Associate Dean for Medical Student Life Advising in November, 2007.
As the Associate Dean for Medical Student Life Advising, Dr. Smith-Coggins provides a confidential resource for the medical student body. She is a point of contact for students who wish to discuss sensitive or personal topics or to obtain advice of a non-academic nature. Students are encouraged to bring issues that impact their life decisions, well-being, and academic performance. Issues appropriate for this office include the following: interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings; struggles with the stresses of school, family or social life; concern about having to appear before the Committee on Student Performance; uncertain career direction; questions regarding professionalism and discussions about the possible need of REFERRAL for:
- Medical care
- Psychological therapy
- Drug/alcohol dependency treatment
- Tutoring
- Study skills improvement
- Harassment
- Financial problems
- Legal advice
The Student Life Advisor does NOT provide:
- Psychiatric counseling or therapy
- Formal academic advising
- Official drug or alcohol dependency counseling or therapy
- Formal sexual harassment counseling
The Associate Dean for Medical Student Life Advising is available to represent and advocate for medical students, as appropriate, with regard to matters that affect student well-being.
The Associate Dean for Medical Student Life Advising works directly with the Academic Advising Deans in developing the Advising Program, is involved in programmatic development pertaining to student work-life balance, and has worked with students to develop the Transition to Clerkship Retreat, Peer to Peer Mentoring sessions and other programs.