The Office of Student Affairs in conjunction with the Director of Counseling and Wellness Services offer a number of targeted programs to enhance wellness, promote positive mental health and prevent burnout among medical students. Specific examples of wellness programs we offer include outreach sessions, peer support, and personalized biofeedback and structured napping. These programs are offered throughout the year to discuss issues of particular relevance to medical students.
| Year | Title | Topic |
| M-1 | Orientation to CWS | Overview of counseling and wellness services |
| Enhancing Wellness During Medical School | Health promotion, wellness, mindfulness | |
| Struggling in Silence | Depression, mental health stigma, suicide | |
| M-2 | A Good Knight’s Sleep for Medical Students | Sleep hygiene and the impact of sleep on mental health |
| Stress Management During Step 1 | Stress and anxiety reduction techniques; test anxiety | |
| M-3 | Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict on Clerkship | Healthy coping; receiving feedback; communication and conflict resolution |
| M-4 | Coping with Uncertainty during the Match Process | Healthy coping, stress and anxiety management |
| All years | QPR: Suicide Prevention |
The Peer Support Program involves training M-2, M-3, and M-4 students in active listening, QPR suicide prevention, wellness and health promotion, and biofeedback and relaxation so that they may support their peers, especially M-1 students during the adjustment to medical school. Check out the current PSP walk-in hours on the Peer Support Page. A licensed therapist is still present for consultation if needed.
The College of Medicine has two energy pods located in the Health Sciences Library that are used to take brief, 20-minute structured naps. This is a great wellness tool to support healthier sleep hygiene and there is increasing evidence of the benefits of structured napping to reduce stress and improve cognitive alertness for medical trainees.
Personalized biofeedback devices are also available in the Health Sciences Library. These devices plug into any IOS device (iphone or ipad) and clip to the user’s ear lobe. The associated software (heartmath) is available as a free downloadable app. Biofeedback gives the user immediate recordings of heart rate variability so that the user can practice deep breathing, guided relaxation, and mindfulness and observe the physiological effects of relaxation.
Wellness tips and events are offered throughout the school year in support of personal wellness. Take a look at our most recent events facilitated through our SASS Office!
The “Paws-a-tively Stress Free” event was in collaboration with Counseling Services and organized for students to help them take a break and relieve stress. Wellness events organized by our office are developed based on topics that contribute to personal growth and positive life habits.
In addition to events that promote well-being, we can help you create a plan to establish the following healthy habits:
Balancing Academics and Social Activities: Focus on setting priorities and managing time to ensure academic success and a positive social life.
Good Sleep Habits: Learn how to apply useful techniques to help get a good night’s rest.
Making Time to Exercise: Learn how to create a realistic schedule to incorporate exercise into your day.
Nutrition: Always look for opportunities to explore healthy eating habits and nutrition.
Interested in one or more of these topics? Contact The Office of Student Academic Support Services for more information.