This article, published in BMC Medical Education, reports on a pilot group intervention implemented on a class of third year medical students in Bergen, Norway. The intervention significantly reduced Perceived Medical School Stress scores but did not affect significantly affect general mental distress. Of the two options for interventions, self-development groups led by psychotherapists vs. themes of special relevance to doctors led by experienced general practitioners, self-development group was the only significant predictor of PMSS reduction.