Student-led stress management program for first-year medical students.

BACKGROUND

The medical education community has emphasized repeatedly the importance of teaching stress management and self-care skills to medical students. However, descriptions and evaluations of intervention programs are infrequent. This article describes a student-led stress management program for 1st-year medical students and summarizes program evaluation data from 1,111 participants.

DESCRIPTION

The Stress Management Program is a voluntary activity that involves small groups of 1st-year medical students meeting with 2nd-year student coleaders. At the beginning of the fall semester, each group meets 1 hr per week for 7 consecutive weeks. Two psychologist faculty members serve as program coordinators.

EVALUATION

Mean annual participation rate for 1st-year students was 94% over 16 years. Program evaluation results are strongly positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on longevity, participation, and student feedback, the program has been successful. Recommendations for creating and maintaining similar programs are offered.