School of Medicine Reaches Out to Duke Community Following Student Suicide

The following note from Dr. Edward Halperin was sent to members of the Duke community March 13

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

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Durham, N.C. -- To the Students of the Duke University School of Medicine, School of Medicine Faculty and Staff, and Parents of our Medical Students:

It is with great sorrow that I report the tragic loss of one of our second year medical students, Carrie Largent, in an apparent suicide early Saturday morning, March 11.   Carrie was a graduate of the University of North Carolina and a native of Pennsylvania, where her family has returned to plan her Memorial Service. Our hearts go out to Carrie's family and friends, and we encourage our faculty, staff, and students to offer support to each other at this difficult time.  We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

We will honor and respect the memory of Carrie, a member of the Duke family, as we offer comfort and support to each other. A comprehensive group of counseling, psychological support, social work, pastoral, and bereavement counseling services are in place for the students, faculty, and staff of the School of Medicine. The attachment to this e-mail details the services available and contact information.

The parents of Medical Students should feel free to phone or e-mail me, at the contact information below, or the other officers of the School of Medicine if you have any questions or concerns. You have my word, as an officer of the School of Medicine and as a fellow parent, that no effort will be spared in caring for and supporting your Duke student through this difficult time.