Peer Navigators: Meet Brenna Hohl
Name: Brenna Hohl, MS-II
Hometown and Undergrad/prior university:
I’m from Brookeville, Maryland. I graduated from the University of Maryland in 2020 with a B.S. in Bioengineering
Hobbies: hanging out with friends and family and trying new restaurants in the area!
What is your role in Peer Navigators?
My role as a Peer Navigator includes promoting mental health and positivity among my peers and first year students. We act as listeners and offer support from a medical student’s perspective. We also host events to allow students to get to know each other and form support systems.
Why did you get involved?
I received so much useful advice from my class’s Peer Navigators when I was a first year, so I applied to be a Peer Navigator with the hopes of being able to be that person for others. I love serving as a mentor and offering advice to those who are in the shoes I was a year ago!
What are some of the most valuable ways you think Peer Navigators serve the student body? (to the mentors and mentees)
The biggest Peer Navigator project I have been involved with so far to serve the student body is hosting Mock OSCEs for the first year class.
With the help of generous second year volunteers, we were able to conduct around 75 mock patient encounters to give the first years the opportunity to practice what they have learned in Clinical Skills before being graded on it.
We got so much great feedback from those who participated regarding how helpful the session was, so we hope to continue to host events like this throughout the year!
Peer Navigators also host Office Hours throughout the block so students have the opportunity to discuss how they’re feeling and ask any questions to fellow medical students.
What would you want fellow students or future students to know?
I want fellow and future students to know that your Peer Navigators are here to help you! Reach out to them if you need advice, think of an event or activity that would benefit your class, or just want to get to know someone who’s there to help. We are friendly faces here to serve YOU, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.