Mental Health Interest Group
With more than 25% of Americans suffering from a diagnosable mental illness every year, the ability of clinicians to identify, treat, and appropriately refer patients is of utmost importance. Regardless of medical specialty, mental health issues will play a significant role in your career and have a significant impact on the long-term health of your patients. One of the goals of the mental health interest group is to provide a forum for discussion of mental health topics. Also, here you will find a variety of mental health resources, including toolkits, links and important dates. Feel free to browse the website and email us if you have any content suggestions or mental health projects to share. We would love to hear from you!
Get Involved
Mental Health Project Ideas
- Mental Health Lecture Series
Consider inviting physicians who treat or advocate for the mentally ill in conjunction with speakers who have been personally affected personal by mental illness. Potential topics include: depression, substance abuse and dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and general stress management. Click here for suggestions on setting up a MH series. - Physician & Mental Health Expert Panel
Include a variety of clinicians, case managers and mental health advocacy workers to give students the real scoop on caring for those with mental illness. - Patient Panel Discussion
A forum that allows for the sharing of personal experience with mental illness can provide a unique supplement to traditional medical education and help fight the stigma associated with mental illness. - Interschool Mental Health Conference
Network with Mental Health interest groups at neighboring schools in your city to put together a weekend conference or symposium on research and topics of interest. - Invite a speaker from your State Physicians Health Program
State Physicians Health Programs provide support and advocacy for physicians struggling with mental illness and substance abuse or dependence. Information about physicians health programs can be found here.
- Community Outreach Program
Work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by developing educational outreach programs that target elementary, middle and high schools in your local community. We’d love to hear from students who have experience with these types of outreach programs or have an interest in developing educational resources to share with other students. - Wellness Fair/Seminar
Organize an event that can help students identify stressors and differentiate between health and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Include information on stress reduction techniques, healthy eating, exercise and time management. Other ideas include offering yoga classes, massages, and healthy snacks on campus. - Mental Health Journal Club
- 7 and ½ Ideas for Premeds Interested in Mental Health
If you have an idea or project that has worked well at your school, we would love to hear about it!
Toolkit for Curricula Change: Health Disparities for People with Mental Illness