Q: I’d like to get more involved in activities that support younger prehealth students’ experiences at Princeton around mental health, academics, and general “bonding.” What are the best ways to do this?
 
A: There are so many ways that our prehealth students support each other! Here are a few highlights:

• HPA Peer Advisers (HPA PAs): We select a cohort of residential college Peer Academic Advisers (PAAs) to also serve as HPA PAs. You’d apply to become a PAA through your res college and then do some cross-training with our office. This is a great way to get to know the HPA advisers and learn more about the ins and outs of being prehealth while also providing guidance on course selection and academic preparation to your zees.
• HPA Jock Docs: We invite prehealth student-athletes who we know to serve as Jock Docs. They do a lot of the same things as HPA PAs specifically for other athletes.
• Peer Health Advisers (PHAs): University Health Services trains and oversees the PHAs, who support student wellness. As a PHA, you’ll learn more about health education and community and public health.
• Residential College Advisors (RCAs): Care for the overall health of a small cohort of students individually and as a community, with meaningful professional development, teamwork, and other skills-building throughout the year. Being an RCA hits many of the core competencies sought in medical students.
• McGraw Learning Consultants: Learn to quickly establish rapport, ask meaningful questions to understand your student’s presenting and underlying concerns, and work together to find solutions. Sounds a lot like what a doctor does with their patients!

You can also support prehealth peers as a departmental representative or student organization leader. We’d love to see the Princeton Premedical Society or other inactive health-related student groups revived—come chat with us if you’d like support in reinstating student groups!

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