Student Needs and Assistance Program (SNAP) Representative

The purpose of the committee, which consists of two students from each class, faculty and staff, is to handle problematic situations that arise with students around issues of impairment, whether it be the result of substance abuse or emotional difficulty. This committee provides information and support to students and classmates of students experiencing personal concerns such as physical illness, emotional stress, and substance abuse. All information is kept completely confidential.

The representatives are elected in the second half of the first year and serve all four years. Any person who has just cause for suspecting that a medical student may be "impaired" can and should enlist the assistance of the committee by contacting a student or faculty member on the committee.

Initially four committee members review the situation and either handle the situation directly or if it is felt necessary the entire committee is convened for a more formal evaluation. If treatment or intervention is decided upon by the committee, options are presented to the student in question. If a plan is agreed upon by the student and the committee then all issues are handled within the confidential relationship of the individual and the committee without involvement of the Dean. In the event a student does not undertake treatment, prematurely terminates, or impaired behavior continues unabated, the case is reported to the Associate Dean for Medical Education.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as a resource for fellow students with personal concerns or concerns about a classmate, including help with gaining access to professional counseling and support services either within and outside of DMS/DHMC
• Work with students to develop an effective and confidential intervention (or treatment) plan
• Attend SNAP committee meetings
• Serve as a voting member of the Student Government
• Serve on the Interaction Committee, and specifically facilitate the Peer Advising program