VII. Career Advisement, Academic Assistance, and Personal Counseling

Students entering the Morsani College of Medicine are assigned to one of nine Collegia, which are headed by one or more faculty members. These faculty serve as longitudinal Career Advisors and will work with the students throughout their matriculation. Career Advisors will ultimately write the summary portion of the student Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) and will meet with students to review it. Students are introduced to their advisor/collegium director in the first year of school and are expected to meet at least twice annually throughout medical school.

A clinical Specialty Advisor is selected by the student during the junior year for assistance in career counseling within a specific medical specialty. Specialty Advisors provide specific help on requirements for and the residency match in specific disciplines. This additional Specialty Advisor may or may not be the same faculty member originally assigned in the student’s collegium. Specialty Advisors have no responsibility towards the MSPE, unless they are also the Career Advisor.

Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and are in need of tutoring may seek assistance through the Office of Student Affairs. There is no cost to the student for this assistance.

Students who are experiencing difficulties with examinations may seek assistance through Tutoring and Learning Services. The program is directed by Dr. Patricia Maher. Contact Dr. Maher at 974-2713. Through an arrangement with the Office of Student Affairs these services are available to medical students without charge. Assessments of reading skills, study skills and test taking abilities are performed and a plan is devised to improve student examination performance.

Should a student express any concern requiring assistance, as an alternative to Student Affairs, the student should be directed to Olga Skalkos, Ph.D. in the Office of Student and Resident Professional Development (813-974-8509 or oskalkos@health.usf.edu). Dr. Skalkos is a licensed psychologist and serves in a capacity much like an ombudsperson for students and residents. All interactions with her are confidential and independent of instructors and USF administration. Students may also be referred to the Office of Student and Resident Professional Development by other concerned students, residents or faculty.

The HELPS program is available to students for off-campus stress prevention and personal counseling related to a variety of concerns: psychological, legal, substance abuse, financial, academic, career, professional development, etc. The services are also extended to spouses, children and significant others.

Students are encouraged to contact the USF Counseling Center when facing concerns associated with academic, social, and emotional issues. To request consultation services at no charge, please call 974-2831. Faculty from the Morsani College of Medicine are not providers of care at the Counseling Center. Your contact with the Counseling Center is confidential as provided within the parameters of professional ethics and applicable federal and state statute.

In addition to more formal service, the Morsani College of Medicine Wellness Council is a collaborative effort among students, faculty, the Office of Student Diversity and Enrichment, and the Office of Student Affairs at the College of Medicine that encourages students to take control of our own wellness. The purpose of the Wellness Council is to promote academic, financial, mental/spiritual, nutritional, and physical wellness among the students and faculty at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. Students are invited to attend events periodically organized by the Wellness Council.