A Family Day program enhances knowledge about medical school culture and necessary supports

Surveys that assessed knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about medical school were administered to participants before and after the program.After the program, participants showed a significant improvement in their understanding of medical school culture and the importance of support systems for medical students. Post-test scores improved by an average of 29% (P < 0.001) in each of the two years this program was administered.The inclusion of family members and other loved ones in pre-matriculation educational programs may serve to mitigate the stress associated with medical school by enhancing the students' social support systems.The significant stress experienced by both undergraduate and graduate medical trainees is well documented. In a recent literature review, Shapiro et al. [1] identified over 600 articles that discussed the importance of addressing the stress of medical education. As many as one-third of medical students suffer from psychological morbidity [2,3]. Examples of stressors facing students include the need to demonstrate competence, both academic and clinical; managing financial pressures and transitional issues; coping with depression and feelings of isolation; dealing with issues of life and death; making career specialty decisions; and balancing school pressures with family and social obligations.Regarding this later aspect, Rappaport et al. [4] studied the effects of a general surgery residency on the spouses and children of graduate trainees. These investigators found that, at least in their residency program, the stress of medical training created significant problems for the families, further exacerbating an already difficult period. This finding underscores the important relationship between the medical trainee and his or her loved ones. Not all medical students will be married, of course, but most will have close relationships with parents, siblings, or other intimates with whom they confide and draw support. Because family members and clos