The Gathering Rounds (TGR) is a small group peer support program driven by the Office of Learner Well-being and Success (LWS) and lead by learners. LWS trains learners to be peer facilitators, and learners co-facilitate each session. All learners are welcome to attend TGR sessions.

TGR provides a safe, positive, and supportive environment for learners to connect over common experiences, talk with and meet peers in a more intimate setting than class, and share resources and tips for the ups and downs of medical school. Some topics that may be covered include: dealing with imposter syndrome, managing stress and/or well-being, perfectionism, balancing school and life, debriefing a challenging experience, or simply taking a break to laugh. Facilitators are trained to refer learners to necessary mental health or other well-being resources if/when needed.

The goals of TGR are to:

• help learners feel supported and connected,
• foster an environment of well-being in the face of adversity, and
• help destigmatize well-being issues within medicine.

In addition to providing a safe space for learners, TGR also fosters learner leadership skill development through its structure. Facilitator co-leads from year 1 and year 2 cohorts are the on-the-ground champions for this program. 

Email LWSwellbeing@mun.ca for more information or to become a peer facilitator.

What learners are saying:
 
“The Gathering Rounds is a fantastic resource you didn’t know you needed! Being a medical student can be stressful. With a heavy course load and a busy schedule, you can sometimes feel like there isn’t any time to step back from it all; you always feel like you should be doing something else! Taking a dedicated break for an hour to hang out, vent, laugh, complain, or just chat in a safe, supportive environment can’t solve all of your problems—it’s not intended to--but what it can do is make you feel a little lighter, a little less overwhelmed, and a little more confident that you’re going to get through whatever challenge med school is throwing at you. TGR is a reminder that we get through it together!”  ~ Jake Stillwell
 
"It was really nice having a group of people to casually chat with about exam stress and how medicine is going in general. I got to hang out with people I don't usually see on a day to day, so that was really nice to get to know them better in a safe and supportive environment."  ~ TGR participant

"It was really great to see my peers and talk face to virtual face. TGR is a great way to connect with your peers to have a rant, a heart to heart, or just a chat. It is especially great during online school when feelings of aloneness in medical school can creep in on you with you realizing. Talking to your peers can remind you that you are all in it together."  ~ TGR participant

"That was so validating."  ~ TGR participant