VCOM - Auburn 2017 Yearbook

SAA Student Advocates Association

John Staples, President; Mallory Wilson, Staff Advisor

T he Student Advocate Association (SAA) at VCOM- Auburn is an organization for the significant others of VCOM students. The SAA mission is to promote community activities and offer support to members and to VCOM students. The organization strives to prepare members for their future as spouses and partners of osteopathic physicians; to promote community work that benefits VCOM, the local community and the osteopathic profession; and provide a platform for members to network, learn from each other and grow alongside their medical students. SAA is a small, but growing group of family members, friends and loved ones supporting the students of VCOM-Auburn. Over the past

year, the main goal of the local chapter was for SAA to become an important part of the community providing emotional support to the students and their families. Statistics have shown that hard- working medical students are at greater risk of depression, divorce and suicide. The pressure it takes to transform a scholar into a doctor can be crushing. It is easy for them to become isolated. It is my hope when we bring a meal, or support one of the other student club events, we demonstrate that we’re here for them, and for each other. This year, the members of SAA had as many monthly meetings as possible to build camaraderie among the local families. Some of the moms with small children met up for play dates. SAA also

provided several home-cooked meals for the last week of the blocks. SAA President John Staples wants every member of the student body at VCOM-Auburn to know he is available if they need someone to listen in confidence, and that his only agenda is seeing students survive, succeed and thrive. “I’m not an expert, but I bring my 25 years as a husband and father, and I offer you my help if you want it. I care about you,” said Staples. Staples can be reached at JohnJStaples@gmail.com. “I want our campus to defy the odds,” said Staples. “Those who are married don’t have to choose between their career and family as so many have done. They can be successful at both,” he added.

76