Scrubs and Support

Medical training is shaped not only by coursework and clinical experience, but also by the conversations, relationships, and support systems surrounding learners. Scrubs and Support explores how families, partners, mentors, faculty, and institutions influence medical students’ learning, confidence, resilience, judgment, and professional identity throughout training. Drawing on educational psychology, cognitive science, and research in medical education, the book explains why well-intentioned support can strengthen learning-or unintentionally hinder it. Rather than offering scripts or quick fixes, it provides an evidence-informed framework for understanding the developmental challenges of medical training and supporting learners while preserving autonomy, resilience, and long-term professional growth. Written for medical students, educators, mentors, advisors, and families, Scrubs and Support bridges research and practice to help create educational environments in which future physicians can learn and develop more effectively.