Class of 1970 Commemorative Biographical Book

B A R B A R A C H A S E N WA L L E R

Continued

interest in, and love of the student population were so obvious. My experience in student mental health gave me valuable insights into the common themes on the minds of medical students. One of these, of course, was how stressful the years of medical school can be, both academically and personally. In order to generalize common themes and generate mutual support among the more than 200 students in each class, I gave talks on subjects such as the fact that many of them were probably feeling like an “imposter” in medical school, and thinking they were the only one. (I always used 3 X 5 cards, for which I became known and was mercilessly teased by the students!) I think my inspiration for believing in the importance of students’ sharing these thoughts and feelings among themselves came from those who chose to participate in the wonderful camaraderie of our great “Blaze of Glory” Class of 1970! I also felt it was important to help relieve stress on the families of students. In my Parents’ Day talk, titled “When Chris Calls Home,” I described the particular upsets associated with each of the four years of medical school, that parents and spouses were no doubt hearing about from their student; and I reassured them that these concerns were universal and survivable. How have you changed since medical school? I am older (for sure), wiser (I hope), but otherwise I don’t think I have changed much since medical school!

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