Support for learners during the Israel-Palestine conflict
We acknowledge that the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has had a profound impact on our medical community and fellow medical students. Many of us are grappling with a wide range of emotions, including fear, uncertainty, sadness, and anguish. OMSA is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community. Support systems are in place, and we strongly encourage you to reach out if you need assistance or guidance. You don't have to navigate this alone. Below, we have compiled a list of resources available at various medical schools.
In these challenging times, we emphasize the importance of medical students being mindful of the influence their words and actions have on their peers and community members. It is crucial that we engage with one another with empathy and kindness, whether in-person or on social media platforms. OMSA firmly denounces and has zero tolerance for Islamophobia, Antisemitism, violence, and hate speech in any form. Our unwavering commitment to humanity, empathy, and compassion remains a cornerstone of our future roles as healthcare professionals and must be upheld, particularly in the present circumstances.
Students have the right to feel safe in their academic and clinical environments. We also stress the importance of medical school leadership to be vigilant in addressing instances of learner mistreatment. It is the responsibility of institutions to ensure that medical students are well-informed about both informal and formal reporting procedures. This necessitates clear and transparent communication. Upholding due process and transparency of these processes is of paramount importance.
OMSA remains steadfast in advocating for a community where empathy, safety, and understanding prevail. Let us stand together in supporting and respecting one another as we navigate these challenging times.
Sincerely,
The Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA)
Resources:
University of Toronto
- https://meded.temertymedicine.utoronto.ca/personal-counselling
- U of T Telus Health Student Support at 1-844-451-9700
- https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/service/same-day-counselling-appointment/
- Multi-Faith center and chaplains
Western University
- Western Foot Patrol
- Schulich Peer Support Program
- Learner Experience Office
- Student Experience - Mental Health Support
- Spiritual wellness resource hub
University of Ottawa
- https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/multi-faith-chaplaincy-services
- https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/health-wellness/immediate-support
- https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/administration-services/protection
- Side by Side Peer Support Program
McMaster University
- MD program Student Affairs Office including Student Affairs Directors, Wellness Counselors, and Career Counselors: https://www.medportal.ca/ug/student-information/student-affairs
- McMaster Student Wellness Centre: wellness.mcmaster.ca
- Spiritual Care Learning Centre: https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/spiritual-care/sclc-leaders/
- Same day counselling (orange path)
- Student wellness hub
NOSM
- https://www.nosm.ca/education/current-learners/contact-us/
- Learners affairs officers for counselling support services
- Homewood Health Student Assistance Program
- NOSM U Well app
Queens
- Student Wellness Services
- Cultural Supports, including Queen’s Cross-Cultural Counsellor
- Faith and Spiritual Life
Non-School Specific
- Muslim Mental Health Online Counselling Support
- Jewish Counselling Support from Hillel Ontario
- Jewish Education Project
-
Wellness
Together Canada
- Text “WELLNESS” to 741741 to connect to a Crisis Responder
- OR Call 1-866-585-0445 to connect to a counsellor
- Family Navigator Project
- Good2Talk Ontario