September marked National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and throughout the month, the Warren Alpert Medical School community came together for opportunities focused on reflection, connection, and conversation around mental health and suicide prevention.

Our focus extended beyond awareness alone. Through these activities, we continued to emphasize a culture in which students and physicians feel supported, connected, and able to seek help when they need it. Small acts of care like checking in with a classmate, making space to listen, taking a needed break, or reaching out for support, are all part of building a healthier and more compassionate learning environment.

On September 16, students attended the Medical Humanities Initiative’s Lunch & Be with Aubrey Atwater, an opportunity to step away from the pace of medical school and reconnect through music and community. In recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, members of our community were also encouraged to wear teal or purple in solidarity with physicians who are struggling and in remembrance of those we have lost to suicide.

On September 23, we welcomed alumna Dr. Tammie Chang '03 MD'07 for a candid fireside conversation about physician mental health, suicide awareness, and the ways personal experiences with mental health can shape a life and career in medicine. The conversation was followed by a community reception in remembrance of Jack Ruddell '17 MD'21.

Looking ahead, members of our community are invited to participate in an October 3 community walk supporting suicide prevention, remembrance, and connection.

While September provides an important opportunity to bring attention to suicide prevention, student well-being is not confined to a single month or event. Our ongoing goal is to foster a community in which caring for ourselves and one another is an integral part of how our students learn, grow, and ultimately practice medicine.