Sept. 9, 2025 — As the fall 2025 semester began across the University of Florida campus, incoming graduate students at the College of Medicine got the chance to meet with the peers, faculty and staff they will connect with over the next several years during their studies and research. Eighty-three doctoral students and 552 master’s students began their studies at the college this fall.

To help prepare the  incoming classes and familiarize them with some of the wellness resources available at the college, Beverly Dede, Ph.D., M.S., the College of Medicine’s student counselor, held a session with the students.

With graduate school comes new expectations, Dede explained. The never-ending to-do list of a graduate student likely includes more reading, more studying and dedicating more time toward critical thinking and problem solving.

“While it can be easy to set aside your well-being and focus more on the other things you need to get done, managing the emotions that come with the ups and downs of grad school can help with cognitive focus,” she said.

All students at the College of Medicine have access to short-term, confidential counseling services through Dede’s office. Some of the common reasons students might book a session, she said, include adjusting to a new schedule or dealing with grief, relationship troubles and more.

Learn more about resources available for UF graduate students below.

The Office of Student Counseling provides confidential, short-term, personal counseling to graduate, medical and physician assistant students in the College of Medicine.

For long-term therapy, students will receive referral assistance to local providers. Additionally, referrals can be expedited for psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluation services.

Sign up for an appointment by contacting Beverly Dede, Ph.D., M.S.

In collaboration with the UF Counseling and Wellness Center, the College of Medicine’s Office of Student Counseling offers Gator-2-Gator consultations catered to the college’s students.

Gator-2-Gator is a peer support initiative that connects students with trained student ambassadors who provide personal support and share information about mental health resources.

Learn more or become a student ambassador.

A student-led organization, the Medical Graduate Student Organization focuses on furthering the education and needs of nonprofessional graduate students in the college.

The organization provides a forum for graduate students to address issues, serves as an advisory board that sends representatives to various college councils and committees and facilitates social and educational activities.

The Office of Graduate Education encourages students to reach out for an appointment or fill out an online form to share ideas, issues or ask a question the program.