First I must say I have been on both sides of this issue, even now in my career, I decided to retire from the hospital because I could not take the 24/7 on call every July with the new residents.
Students have problems for many reasons. I have posted some of my problems, but will restate them. In dental school, Penn, I was doing well, until my younger brother developed cancer and was dying. I want to faculty and the Dean, Dr. Lester Burket. I wanted to be with my brother. I was told it would be difficult to return, they offered me to take the year "without prejudice"... If I failed, I could repeat... and the bad year would disappear as if I dropped out. The Dean mentored me... one of the reasons I followed in his footsteps in Oral Medicine, and international education and in mentoring.
Some students had had times, death in the family, health problems for them or family, and worked with them... some are now your faculty members... many of my students have stayed in education, some are now deans, ass deans, chairs.
But one case, the dad was pushing dentistry, the student did not want it. With his permission, I arranged and group meeting, he withdrew, went into a different career and is doing great. He was not "stupid" he got a difficult PhD.
The student must be open, hopefully the schools have for mentors (not just teachers).
We all need guidance on what to do any why to stay or change.
Even though I am no longer a program director, this year I taught at 2 programs and continually work with accrediation.
I was going to be at the Greater NY meeting. Going to the residency fair (even without a program) and doing a Sunday afternoon presentation on systemic/oral link - the facts.
BUT, things happen, my brother died Tuesday and I will be with his family. With my many friends, I was able to get a replacement speaker...
We all need friends, we all need help at times, be honest, be open, seek help if you think it may be needed.
