Resources for Support
At Alpert Medical School, we strive to help students succeed and to make the most of their medical education experience. When students struggle with academic or personal issues, there are a number of services available to them. The Office of Student Affairs is always willing to assist students in finding the support they need.
Academic Support
Make no mistake, medical school is hard, especially as students transition from life as an undergraduate. The Medical School's tutoring program provides assistance to medical students experiencing academic difficulties in any course in the Medical School. Any student currently enrolled in the Medical School is eligible for tutoring.
Students may refer themselves or be referred by their course leaders, an advisor, or by members of the Office of Curriculum Affairs. Students should be proactive in discussing their needs with any and all of these individuals. Specific tutoring assignments are most often made in consultation with the Office of Curriculum Affairs.
Other Tutoring Services
For specialized tutoring, unique learning style accommodations or learning strategies, or for licensing exam preparation (Step I or Step II), academic coaches, tutors, or course assistance, students can visit the Academic Enhancement Program.
Psychological Services
The Psychological Services staff has many years of experience in dealing with a broad range of problems. They provide crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy, and referral services. They offer consultation to students, faculty, and staff who are concerned about the well being of students. Appointments are free of charge, contact with students is confidential, and they are available when classes are in session.
Legal Services for Students
This service is ideal for students seeking quick legal consultation for a personal issue free of charge. The legal consultation may suffice, but in some cases a referral for more extensive legal consultation is needed. This service is being provided to medical students in conjunction with the undergraduate and graduate council of students. Contact: Leonard O'Brien, J.D. of Macfadyen, Gescheidt, and O'Brien.
Located at the Sarah Doyle Women's Center on Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30pm and available for phone consultation on Thursdays, 3:00-5:00pm. During the winter and summer break, O'Brien is available two hours a week by phone on Thursdays from 3:00-5:00pm. Office phone number is 401-751-5090; students should ask for him directly.
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center can help with reviewing items such as resumes and curriculum vitas. They provide career advising along with important academic tips such as conference etiquette and time management skills.
Women in Medicine and Science
The Office of Women in Medicine and Science is dedicated to the advancement of women students, residents, faculty, and physicians in the Brown medical community. It offers networking opportunities and educational programs to support women at all points in their education and career development. Gender issues related to women's health and the delivery of health care are also of special interest.
Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs has as its primary objective the recruitment, selection, successful academic progression, and graduation of minority students from the Medical School. The Office also works closely with deans and administrators in both the College and the Medical School to ensure that issues concerning minority students are addressed with sensitivity.
Religious and Spiritual Resources
Religion — or spirituality when there is no specific religious affiliation — is a core element of many students' lives at Brown. The Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life serves all Brown University students and also offers pastoral counseling. Hillel House is open to all members of the Brown community interested in Judaism and serves the social, religious, and cultural needs of Jews of diverse backgrounds. Other places of worship, both on and off campus, welcome Brown students. A list is available through the Chaplain's Office.