Academic and Career Counseling for Medical Students and the Complex Role of the Student Affairs Dean
What does the Dean of Student Affairs at a medical school actually do, and what qualities does it take to be successful? Medical students, residents, and faculty interested in a career in medical education that includes advising trainees are likely to consider the position of Clerkship Director or Residency Training Director as the prototype for such careers. The position of Student Affairs Dean in a medical school is another option for those interested in medical education careers. This subject has scarcely been written about (1 3) yet psychiatrists are overrepresented in this position (4) This article is intended to give academic psychiatrists an "inside view" of the job. The Dean of Student Affairs guides students throughmedical school, often oversees career and academic counseling, and is charged with the well being of the students. To accomplish these goals, the Student Affairs Dean interacts with multiple stakeholders in a school, including the Dean of the School, students, faculty, and ancillary offices, to ensure that students are successful. Themultifaceted role of the Student Affairs Dean requires understanding how physician identity is formed; the myriad challenges of being a medical student, including barriers to learning, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and learning disabilities; and awareness of the expectations of "millennial" and "Generation X" students. Facility in working with complex systems is also useful. Since the end goal of medical school is to match welltrained physicians to residency, or, if desired, to a position as a physician in an alternative field, the Student Affairs Dean is charged with ensuring the success of this endeavor. Academic and career advising is central to this mission. Advising, in many schools, occurs through structured programs termed "Advisory Dean," "Learning Community," or "College" programs, which are usually embedded within the Office of StudentAffairs. The nomenclature varies, but the goals are relatively common. This growing trend of "advising programs" is designed to provide 1) a structured environment for students to form a relationship with a faculty member/ mentor; 2) exposure to career opportunities and assistance with residency decisions; 3) opportunities to learn about humanism and professionalism; and 4) a forum to discuss curriculum and the school environment with a group of peers. Some programs have developed around themes where students join on the basis of common interests, whereas others randomly assign students to a society or dean with whom they "partner" for their time at medical school. Some programs are specifically geared to career advising and helping students structure their career plans and their fourth year curriculum. Others, such as learning communities, may have dedicated space for the group to gather, and career advising and core teaching both occurring within the group (5 9) To understand the role of advising within the role of the Student Affairs Dean, it is vital to understand the stakeholders in a medical school and the culture of the students.
Academic Psychiatry