Student Assistance Committee

It is not uncommon for students to struggle with academics, mental health, and substance use issues while training. When life problems significantly impact the ability to function effectively, help is available.

For decades, UT Southwestern’s Student Assistance Committee (SAC) has provided guidance for students to get the help they need. We want every student to succeed.

Purpose and Goals

The SAC was established based on the following premises:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric disorders are treatable conditions.
• Students with problems that negatively impact their ability have a responsibility to themselves, their profession, and society to recognize and seek appropriate professional help.
• If a student is unable or unwilling to seek assistance, fellow students, faculty, and administrators have a responsibility to identify these individual and assist them in obtaining effective available treatment.
• An institution responsible for training physicians, health professionals, and basic scientists should encourage and facilitate the recognition and treatment of serious problems and provide ongoing support.

The purpose of the SAC is to work with students and concerned faculty and administrators to encourage and facilitate recognition, intervention, and treatment of students with a suspected or confirmed impairment.

The goal of the SAC is to support, assist, and monitor students so they can regain full functioning, successfully complete their training, and acquire the skills and perspective necessary to have a fulfilling professional career.

The SAC is dedicated to assisting students in obtaining help while continuing their education, with the fewest possible restrictions and without stigma.

Confidentiality

The SAC understands that its ultimate success depends on student trust and confidence.

• All SAC actions and proceedings are confidential.
• We may periodically report information to the Dean or Associate Dean regarding a student’s compliance, progress, and fitness for continued participation in UT Southwestern-related activities.
• We may consult with treatment providers with the consent of the student.

How to Get Started

Students may refer themselves to the SAC by contacting the Committee Chair, Sidarth Wakhlu, M.D., at sidarth.wakhlu@utsouthwestern.edu.

Pursuant to EDU-117 Fitness for Participation in the UT Southwestern Handbook of Institutional Policies and Procedures, a Dean or Associate Dean may also refer students.

Faculty, mentors, program directors, course directors, or fellow students who have concerns about a student should contact their Associate Dean.

Types of Referrals

The SAC receives referrals for students struggling with:

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Academic difficulties
• Professionalism issues

What to Expect

After a referral, the student will meet with Dr. Wakhlu, Chair of the SAC, to discuss the reasons the student needs assistance. The student will then join a committee meeting where they will share their story and be matched with the committee member who can best help. Interactions after the committee meeting will be one-on-one, at a frequency both the student and committee member agree on. 

SAC Members

Administrators

• Dorothy Denton, B.A.
  Administrative Associate, Psychiatry
• Michelle Chau, B.S.
  Administrative Assistant, Psychiatry

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about the SAC, please contact Dr. Wakhlu via sidarth.wakhlu@utsouthwestern.edu.