Resources

Student Support Network: Your Essential Resources at GW SMHS 

The journey through medical school is a demanding and transformative experience that requires a comprehensive, supportive, and safe learning environment. At the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), the Office of Student Affairs coordinates a robust network of specialized offices dedicated to your success, well-being, and professional growth from your first day through the Residency Match. This page serves as your central guide to accessing these critical resources. Whether you need academic tutoring, confidential mental health services, financial counseling, or professional guidance for specialty selection and residency applications (the Roadmap to Residency - R2R), your advisor can connect you to the appropriate support. Our commitment is to provide personalized and coordinated guidance to ensure you can focus on achieving your educational and career goals while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, respect, and well-being within the SMHS community.

Key Advising & Support Resources at GW SMHS

The Office of Professional & Respectful Learning (OPRL)

Visit The Office of Professional & Respectful Learning (OPRL)

The OPRL is the dedicated office at GW SMHS responsible for maintaining a positive, inclusive, respectful, and safe learning environment for all members of the community (students, residents, faculty, etc.).

Key Services:

• Mission: To promote a culture of professionalism, respect, and well-being through acknowledging positive behaviors, providing support when problems arise, and facilitating a fair process for concerns or complaints.
• Reporting System: Provides a formal, confidential mechanism for raising concerns or complaints about mistreatment, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe learning conditions. It also allows for recognizing and rewarding positive behavior ("excellence").
• Support & Resources: Offers support and guidance outside of formal grievance channels, including access to an Ombudsperson Program for confidential, informal consultations on academic or interpersonal concerns.
• Proactive Initiatives: Works to create and sustain a healthy learning environment through programs like psychological safety training for faculty and workshops.

The Office of Student Professional Enrichment (OSPE) 

Visit The Office of Student Professional Enrichment (OSPE)

The OSPE focuses on advancing the professional and career development of medical students. Its mission is to enrich students' experiences beyond the core curriculum by offering structured programs, advising, and resources that guide specialty selection and build a competitive residency application.

Key Services:

• Roadmap to Residency (R2R) Programming: Hosts specialty nights, informational sessions, and workshops designed to introduce students to different fields and guide them through the residency application timeline.
• Scholarly Concentrations: Manages and supports the eight Scholarly Concentrations, allowing students to engage in focused research, advocacy, or specialized study tracks outside of the standard coursework.
• Career Advising Tools: Provides access to specialized tools and resources, including the Early Exploration of Careers Toolkit (for M1/M2) and the Residency Application Toolkit (for M3/M4), to facilitate informed career choices.
• Scholarship Management: Offers guidance and information regarding internal and external scholarship opportunities, including the W.T. Gill Summer Fellowship.

The Office of Student Support (OSS) 

Visit The Office of Student Support (OSS)

The OSS is the central academic hub for students seeking to enhance their learning, study, and performance skills. Its mission is to support SMHS students in achieving their academic potential by offering individualized strategies and resources designed to navigate the rigorous demands of medical education.

Key Services:

• Peer Tutoring & Group Study: Provides organized review sessions and one-on-one help across preclinical and clinical subjects, connecting students with high-achieving peers.
• Individualized Learning Strategies: Offers confidential consultations to develop personalized learning plans, effective note-taking techniques, and time management skills.
• Test-Taking Skills: Provides resources and workshops focused on standardized exam preparation, specifically strategies for the USMLE Step exams and other high-stakes testing.
• Writing & CV Support: Offers assistance with professional writing, including editing CVs and crafting personal statements for residency applications.

GW Resiliency and Well-Being Center

Visit The GW Resiliency and Well-Being Center

The GW Resiliency and Well-Being Center is dedicated to supporting the holistic health of the SMHS community. Its mission is to foster an environment where students, faculty, and trainees can thrive by building resilience and focusing on whole-person health.

Key Services:

• Well-Being Programs: Hosts workshops, conversations, and initiatives focused on proactive stress management, mindfulness, and burnout prevention.
• Integration with Colonial Health Center (CHC): Works collaboratively with the CHC, which provides students with accessible medical, psychiatric, and psychological counseling services.
• Mental Health Resources: Promotes access to essential support tools like Talkspace, ensuring students have confidential, flexible options for mental health assistance.

The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) 

Visit The Office of Financial Aid (OFA)

The OFA understands the significant financial burden of medical school and is committed to providing expert guidance and support. Its mission is to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent qualified students from completing their medical education.

Key Services:

• Financial Counseling: Provides personalized advice on budgeting, debt management, and understanding the nuances of medical school loans.
• Access to Funding: Facilitates the application process for federal and private financial aid, ensuring students maximize their eligibility for grants, loans, and SMHS-specific scholarships.
• Resource Navigation: Assists students in understanding the cost of attendance and exploring all available funding opportunities.

The Office of the MD Registrar 

Visit The Office of the MD Registrar

The Office of the MD Registrar is the primary source for accurate student academic records and enrollment management. It ensures compliance with academic policies and supports students' administrative needs throughout their medical school career.

Key Services:

• Registration & Enrollment: Manages the course registration process, enrollment verifications, and class scheduling.
• Academic Records: Oversees student transcripts, changes of status (e.g., leave of absence, withdrawal), and final degree audits for graduation clearance.
• Curriculum Management: Maintains the integrity of the official academic calendar, policies, and procedures related to the MD curriculum.
• Graduation: Coordinates the commencement ceremony and handles the official certification of degrees.

Visit the respective websites for these offices, or contact the Office of Student Affairs Deans for coordinated guidance and referrals.

Your Medical Student Journey: M1–M4 Milestones

Academic advising at SMHS is developmental, focusing on key professional milestones specific to each phase of your training. Your Student Affairs Deans and advisors will guide you through the following phases: