Meet Jaime Peter, CUNY Student and SHARE Learner

It’s summer at Silver Hill and we’re thrilled to welcome our 2024 City University of New York School of Medicine students to campus. From July through November, we’ll host five CUNY Fourth Year medical students, each doing a rotation in psychiatry.  The 2024 season began with Jaime Peter, an extraordinary and thoughtful student who has certainly left her mark on Silver Hill and those she worked with.  Meet Jaime Peter:

I decided early on to pursue a career in medicine. I am in one of those combined BS/MD programs that you apply to from high school. It involves three years of undergrad followed by four years of medical school. I wanted a career where I could serve others in a way that felt meaningful to me. Coupled with my interests in the sciences, becoming a physician seemed like the ideal way to fulfill that aspiration.

Actually, it took me some time to decide that I wanted to be a psychiatrist, partly because of the stigma surrounding mental health in my South Asian community. Yet, it was this very stigma that ultimately led me to my decision. It’s upsetting to see so many people suffering in silence, hesitant to seek help because they fear judgment from their families and community. 

I have always cherished the relationships and connections I build with others, and I find the therapeutic relationship in psychiatry to be particularly special. Creating a space of trust, respect, empathy, and understanding are all core values that I hold in my everyday life.

Also, a lot of the medical concepts we learn in medical school are simplified and categorized into algorithms that are digestible and easy to follow when used in clinical practice. And although there’s utility in that, psychiatry presents a unique challenge. The mind is so complex that oversimplifying it would be a disservice to our patients, as we know there are a lot of psychosocial aspects that influence their care. This makes it all the more intellectually stimulating.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the Neuropsychiatric Program at the Lodge and another two weeks in the DBT-Substance Use Program at Scavetta. During this time, I’ve also been exposed to a range of treatments including electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, and psychodrama—all of which have broadened my understanding of the field of psychiatry.

One of the most notable insights I’ve gained is the understanding that mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of their background. I’ve met patients who, on the surface, seem to have it all together, yet they’ve been silently struggling for far too long. I think it’s important to acknowledge this, as it empowers others to seek treatment without feeling guilt or shame.

I have also been impressed by the resilience and dedication of the patients here. It’s not easy to come to a new place and be vulnerable about deeply personal issues. Their courage and hard work constantly amaze me. This rotation has truly inspired me and it reminds me how much of a privilege it is to be a physician and have the opportunity to be a part of their healing process.

Many patients I worked with urged me to visit the labyrinth, describing it as a peaceful oasis and how much of a solace it has been for them—and it did not disappoint!

The first time I ventured out there was on one of those scorching 90-degree days. To my surprise, it felt rather cool. I think it has to do with the way the trees are aligned, the wind kind of funnels in, bringing in a gentle breeze. But I’m not too sure…and I found it quite interesting.

My plans after I finish up at Silver Hill Hospital is to continue my medical school rotations as well as apply to residency! It’s a nerve-wracking yet exciting phase of the medical school journey. 

I enjoy listening to music, especially certain songs and pieces that evoke a phenomenon called frisson, or “musical chills”. It’s an incredibly evocative experience, and one of the moments when I feel most present.

I also love to dance! I was trained in a traditional Indian style of dance called Bharatanatyam at an early age and later started to explore more modern styles through a dance team in college. Now I enjoy choreographing/performing at weddings and other cultural events.