Academic Support

Every admitted Year I is assigned a second- or third-year medical student who acts as an OU-COMrade. COMrades can provide a wealth of information on housing, textbooks, life in Athens and tips on adjusting to life as a medical student. Incoming medical students are usually given the names of their COMrades in May.

The college has developed a peer tutoring program designed to assist students who desire assistance in a particular course. Tutoring is available for all students, whether they are having difficulty grasping material or just desire additional reinforcement. The services are provided by upper level medical students and basic science graduate students trained to tutor. The Office of Student Affairs coordinates a tutoring program for all Year I and II students, and tutors will be provided on a regular basis for each course of these years. Specific information about this program will be available at the beginning of each quarter. Tutors are free of charge to OU-HCOM students.

The OU-HCOM mentoring program is a key element to the development of our student physicians. When students begin their journey in medical school they are poured into a sea of new, exciting and often quite unfamiliar experiences. A "mentor" by definition is a guide or trainer - both inside and outside the classroom. The students of OU-HCOM have access to abundant sources of information regarding the curriculum and academic issues; however, there are few avenues available for students to express their ideas, reactions and concerns regarding the psychosocial element of medicine. This is where the mentor program begins. The formation of a mentoring "family" is often beneficial in easing the transition of students into medical school. Through mentoring, students have the opportunity to discuss clinical and academic experiences as well as future aspirations with someone at OU-HCOM who can provide an open mind and a listening ear. Mentors can also provide a casual social environment which can help lift the spirits of medical students. The mentor/mentee relationship provides a chance for exploring the enormous impact that social, economic, and cultural issues play in the lives of osteopathic physicians in training.

Objectives:

• To interact with the students as a method of facilitating the personal growth of the students, with the primary goal being to develop the "human" aspect of medicine.
   
• To offer the students an outlet to express their concerns, ideas and reaction to clinical experiences.
   
• To offer guidance as the students look toward their futures as osteopathic physicians.

Schedules Interactions:

• Meet each quarter with mentees to discuss their progress.

In addition to clinicians, basic science and social science faculty and staff will be asked to participate in this program. Basic and social science faculty and staff participation contributes to the broader growth of the student in preparation for the expectations of the health care delivery system in the future.

Student-Mentor matching will be entirely voluntary. Students will select mentors from a list of interested faculty or recruit additional mentors into the program. This matching will take place at the COMrade Lunch each year.

These workshops are designed to facilitate the adjustment of osteopathic medical students to the pressures and demands of medical school. The workshop goals are to increase self-awareness and knowledge of a variety of strategies known to enhance learning. Topics covered include: efficient use of textbooks, time management, note-taking, improving memory, group study, testing skills, and stress management. Specific one-time study skills workshops are held as group needs are identified.

This program focuses on the processes of learning and thinking. It refines the student's ability to read, understand, interpret, assess, and apply information. Participants receive individual instruction from a learning specialist. These sessions do not focus on course content but rather stress time management, active study, reading efficiency, note taking, test preparation, test anxiety and test-taking skills, medical terminology, critical thinking, problem-solving and general study skills. Contact the Office of Student Affairs about these services.

Board preparation activities consist of workshops and individual assistance. These activities usually begin in the Fall quarter for Year II students, but there were always Year I students interested in board preparation who participate as well. Participation by the student is voluntary. For further information contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Service, Inc.

In addition to the university's Counseling and Consultation Service at Hudson Health Center, Tri-County also offers a variety of counseling and psychological services.

The staff are professionals with education, training, and experience in helping people. The mental health professionals include licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, registered nurses, consulting psychiatrists, and case managers.

It is standard policy that all information received, including the fact that a person is a client, is not discussed, shared, or released to anyone without the person's written permission in advance (with the exception of life-threatening situation).

Available services include:

• Individual, group, family, and marital/couple counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, as indicated. Tri-County, like Hudson Health Center, works on a brief, solution-focused model for counseling services.
• Psychiatric evaluation and treatment with medication when indicated for mental health problems.
• Community Support Program: Continuation of care following hospitalization for emotional/psychiatric problems. Counseling, on-going monitoring of psychiatric medication, case management and residential services for severely mentally disabled adults.
• Partial hospitalization programming for adults.
• Respite care for adults in crisis.
• Epilepsy services: Counseling, community education, and advocacy.
• Senior Citizens Counseling Service: Outreach counseling, case management, consultation, and education.
• Development Disabilities Service: Counseling, community education, and consultation.
• 24 - hour Emergency Service and hospital prescreening.
• CARELINE: 24-hour crisis hotline, sexual assault victim assistance, a child assault prevention program, and information and referral services.

Fees are based on a sliding scale, determined by family income, the number of people in the household, and the type of service received. Many major medical insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of mental health services.

For an appointment or further information, call or stop by:

Athens County Clinic
90 Hospital Drive
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 592-3091

After regular business hours, please call CARELINE 593-3344.