In the ever-evolving landscape of medical education, our commitment to the well-being and success of our students remains paramount. As professionals dedicated to supporting our future physicians, it is essential that we understand and effectively address the critical junctures in their educational journey (Sign-in to the virtual community is required.) From matriculation through the transition to residency, medical students encounter key progression points designed to assess their preparedness for advancing in training. A student’s experience navigating these milestones is influenced by institutional culture, support structures, and access to resources, in addition to individual preparation.
Our Holistic Student Support webinar series, initiated in November 2023 and continuing through February 2025, aimed to explore these critical junctures and the framework of support surrounding them. Though this webinar series has concluded, we invite you to review the recordings and join us in the HSS virtual community to continue candid discussions about the utility of the framework and strategies for enriching it further. Whether you're directly involved in student services, educational affairs, or simply passionate about the evolution of medical education, your engagement strengthens our collective efforts to enhance student success. Let’s collaborate to champion a holistic approach that ensures every medical student is poised for success. Learn more and register now to view the recordings.
Past Sessions
Below you will find materials and recordings from past webinars in this series. Please note, you will need to register for each webinar to see the recording, and you will need to join the Holistic Student Support Virtual Community to access the related resources.
Navigating Critical Junctures: Post-Match Transition into Residency
February 26, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
In this webinar we delved into the critical juncture of Post-Match Transition into Residency, which we define as students matching to a program and beginning their transition to residency. During this webinar, we explored challenges and innovations associated with:
- Program-led Individualized Learning Plans
- Transition to Residency Courses
- Financial Preparation for Residency
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: Residency Application and Interview Preparation
November 20, 2-3 p.m. ET
In this webinar, we delved into the critical juncture of Residency Application and Interview Preparation, which we define as students engaging in activities to distinguish themselves as competitive applicants for residency. During this webinar, we explored challenges and innovations associated with the following areas:
- Specialty Decision Planning
- Preparations and Support for Away Rotations
- Preparation and Optimization of Residency Applications
- Interview Preparation and GME Collaboration
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: Transition to Clerkship
September 26, 2-3 p.m. ET
In this webinar, we examined the critical juncture of Transition to Clerkship, which we define as students entering the clinical phase of their training. We discussed the challenges and innovations associated with:
- Professional Identity Formation
- Preparing for the Transition to Clerkship
- Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: USMLE Exams
July 24, 2-3 p.m. ET
In this webinar, we delved into the critical juncture of USMLE Exams, which we define as students utilizing available resources to develop and execute an exam preparation strategy. We explored challenges and innovations associated with: Exam Preparation Strategies and Study Support; Wellness and Emotional Support; Material Support; and Building Systems, Processes, and Skills to Support USMLE Preparation.
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: Professional Opportunities and Experiences
May 22,2024
In this webinar, we explored challenges and innovations associated with encouraging professional skills development for students; developing mentoring and advising structures; and implementing mentor and advisor training.
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: Academic Performance and Progression
March 27, 2024
In this webinar, we explored challenges and innovations associated with coordinated communication and collaboration; integrated student support; and infrastructure to support academic performance and progression.
Recording and Related Resources
Navigating Critical Junctures: Matriculation and Orientation
January 31, 2024
In this webinar, we explored challenges and innovations associated with pre-matriculation preparation; building an inclusive community; and supportive handoffs and resource alignment.
Recording and Related Resources
Junctures and Journeys: Helping Students Navigate the Critical Junctures of Medical Education
November 15, 2023
In this webinar, we explored the core principles that drive holistic student support; universal medical school critical junctures students must navigate; and a framework to help medical educators and student affairs professionals critically examine and change institutional structures to facilitate students’ capabilities to successfully navigate these junctures.
Recording and Related Resources