Peer advocates are available to listen to students who have experiences or incidents that leave them feeling uncomfortable. These experiences may involve some level of mistreatment, abuse or harassment either of themselves or others, but are not limited to these sorts of experiences. Any situation that a student wishes to share is appropriate. The peer advocate’s role is to be a sounding board, to help the student find options and solutions and to possibly suggest other confidantes. Each class selects two peer advocates by anonymous ballot, usually one male and one female. Advocates receive some informal training in counseling skills. The advocates then become part of a committee of concerned faculty and staff members who monitor and document incidents of mistreatment throughout the medical school community.

This program was started in an effort to provide a completely confidential and non-threatening choice for students wishing to explore problems, especially those associated with being on the wards. The Offices of Student Affairs, Women in Medicine and Multicultural Affairs as well as any trusted faculty member of a student’s choice are also always available to hear about student concerns.

Yale University Health Service:
Urgent Visit: 203-432-0123 (on call psychiatrist)
Clinic Appointments 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 432-0290
(Appointments available from 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)

The Office of Student Affairs can identify the current Peer Advocates at 785-2644 or contact Nancy Angoff at 737-2169.