Physicians and students engage in Honest Conversations

Students, faculty and staff attend the Honest Conversations panel discussion at the Whiddon College of Medicine.

The Wellness Council and Gold Humanism Honor Society hosted the third annual Honest Conversations panel discussion on Feb. 17. The event served as an opportunity to openly discuss the difficulties that medical professionals face. 

“The heart behind Honest Conversations is simply that: having an honest conversation about mental health, burnout, and the challenges physicians experience,” said Becky Smith, Ph.D., health and wellness counselor at the Whiddon College of Medicine. “These topics are often uncomfortable and difficult to talk about, yet so important to discuss. This event creates a safe space and opportunity for a panel of physicians that the students admire, respect, and idolize to come and share their own personal experiences of navigating these issues.”

Panelists for the event were Melissa Goslawski, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology; Brandy Merritt, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics; Maryann Mbaka, M.D., assistant professor of surgery; and Lorie Fleck, M.D., associate professor of urology.

Students were able to pre-submit questions, and the moderator helped facilitate those questions during the discussion. Students were also invited to ask questions throughout the event. 

“This is our third year hosting this event, and we always have excellent physician panelists that are vulnerable and share real-life experiences and advice in navigating mental health, burnout, and the ups and downs of medicine,” Smith said.