Fostering a safe and confidential space

The end of the academic year is an excellent time for reflection. Congratulations to all our 2019 graduates on an amazingly successful CaRMS match – we look forward to honouring you at Convocation. Learners at all stages of the program had successful year of joys and hardships, struggles and accomplishments. We salute you and acknowledge the constant energy and effort this program demands of you.

The new academic year will bring significant change in our medical education, as we launch a renewed MD Program curriculum starting with our inaugural Medicine Class of 2023.  

In saying that, we will welcome not only new learners but a new style of teaching along with many new preceptors, facilitators and coaches.  Any change – even if it is good change - can bring uncertainty. The Learner Equity & Wellness (LEW) Office is here to support our students along this journey.

The MD Program and LEW work together to support our students, but we understand that sometimes students need a place to speak freely, work through personal issues, and ask for help without worrying about academic or career repercussions.

We keep everything confidential.  If there is a situation where information needs to be shared, we work with you to find a way to do so in a manner that feels safe.

But isn’t LEW on several of the same committees? Yes. No personal information is ever shared, but it allows us to understand situations where students may need support so we can advocate for academic or policy decisions that keep student well-being in mind.

In short, the LEW Office provides service and support related to the physical, psychological and professional well-being and safety of learners. We offer and coordinate access to academic, career and personal well-being support. The office regularly provides and coordinates lecture style wellness sessions covering topics such as nutrition, financial well-being, insurance matters, debt management, career prep and more.

But what does that really mean?

Personal Well-being

Life goes on during training – and sometimes things in students’ personal lives can influence academic success.  When a student meets with LEW, it allows for a safe place to share concerns and gives us the opportunity to provide support, as needed, through our office. Sometimes that means some time away, sometimes that means providing insight and knowledge to help make decisions, and sometimes that means referring to experts in their field – such as psychotherapists at the Student Counselling Centre.

Mental Health Counselling

Windsor-based students can access the therapists at the Student Counselling Centre under our affiliation agreement. Visiting LEW can provide you the incentive you need to seek this out. Walk-ins are welcomed most week days, as there are several different therapists on site that can suit different needs and personalities.

Sensitive Situations & Reporting

Students who are experiencing any equity concerns or who have been witness to or the subject of inappropriate behaviour can turn to LEW, to confidentially share their concerns and be guided towards the different options they have, including the formal reporting process. Our office works closely with Student Counselling, the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility and the Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention Office.

Academic

Sometimes, despite efforts, students find their output isn’t matching their input. Often, the transition to medical school can require tweaks to how one studies or manages their time. A little guidance and support from LEW staff can help lead you successfully through the transition. When knowledge deficits are present, we can provide referrals to learning specialists that can help uncover where challenges may lay. Additionally, with student permission, we can work with UME to secure students the course specific support that might be needed.

Accommodations

Some students enter medical training with a documented learning or physical challenge that has been accommodated. In these cases, this can be accommodated through our office as well. We work closely with the Student Accessibility Office to secure these arrangements.

Students who feel they may be dealing with an undiagnosed learning challenge can consult with our office. We advocate for, and support students in, the process of learning more about themselves and how they learn.

Career

Choosing a career path is a very stressful decision. With so many choices to choose from, it’s not an uncommon problem. Outreach and targeted programming along with one-on-one on meetings with LEW staff can help students create plans to help them through the decision-making process, including choosing a well-planned elective portfolio. Additionally, we provide coaching and programming to specifically support building a strong CV and CaRMS submission. Our office also coordinates and facilitates mock-interviews in preparation for CaRMS.

Financial

The LEW office coordinates sessions that cover debt management and insurance. We have a close working relationship with Student Financial Aid and can help connect you with professionals who can address issues with OSAP, tuition etc. We can also provide insight on specific scholarship criteria. Windsor based learners can access the Student Awards and Financial Needs Office for any questions regarding OSAP if they wish to speak to a representative face-to-face.

 

Working together

The LEW Office works closely with student leaders, regularly attends SAC meetings, coordinates the physician mentorship program and is very involved in the preparation of Orientation Week. Most importantly, we oversee the mandate of the Student Support Team and work very closely to ensure students wellness needs are being met. The LEW Office relies on the feedback from SST and SAC wellness reps to review and improve our services.

How accessible is LEW?

Very.

Appointments in Windsor can be booked by emailing scocci@uwindsor.ca or equitywindsor@uwindsor.ca typically with a response the same day and an appointment the same day or within 24 hours. Drop-ins are always welcomed and occur frequently. Dr. Arthur Kidd, Assistant Director, LEW Windsor, is available to meet with students Wednesday afternoons and Fridays by appointment, coordinated through me, Stephanie Coccimiglio, LEW Coordinator, Schuilch Medicine – Windsor Campus.

Please remember, the summer is a time of fewer demands and a great opportunity to meet with LEW staff regarding your future needs and plans.  Our office maintains regular hours throughout the summer operating Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.

 

Stephanie Coccimiglio
LEW Coordinator, Schulich Medicine — Windsor Campus