At Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, we recognize that well-being is a journey, not a destination. Life is complex, with many moving parts and that is no different in medical school. As such, we offer students the opportunity to try many different well-being practices and strategies- building a toolkit for their personal and professional well-being as they progress through the program.
Some considerations that we employ in our approach to student well-being:
- Integration: Well-being needs to be integrated into all the activities in life to be truly useful to the individual. We highlight practices that can provide “mini-breaks” to make well-being practices more accessible to students with busy schedules.
- Exploration: What “feels right” one day might not feel like it is the right thing to do another day. Our well-being program promotes exploration, recognizing that there are a myriad of well-being practices, some that will always promote feelings of well-being and others that will fit based on the individual’s current circumstances.
- Evolving: Since well-being is a journey and not a destination, people can outgrow the well-being practices that once fit them. Developing both person specific and context specific well-being skills help students progress their well-being over time.
Well-being resources at WSU College of Medicine:
- Mindfulness/Meditation: Classes on Wednesday evenings (in person and on zoom). This six-week course will provide students with a variety of mindfulness practices and a “jump start” to developing a practice of mindfulness.
- Peer Mentor Program: Incoming students are matched with a peer mentor in the MS2 class, this relationship provides connection and mentorship throughout the program
- Registered Student Organization: Through a wide variety of RSOs that students can explore career paths, connect with others who share similar backgrounds, or build friendships over shared activities!
- Student Learning Center: It is difficult to dedicate time to well-being when a student feels overwhelmed, the SLC can help with study strategies, time management, and overall organization skills around learning in medical school.
- Mental Health Resources
- Therapy Dogs: We invite local therapy dogs to campus every exam week to help relieve stress that has built up during the study process.
- My MD-to-Be: We recognize how important a support system is in surviving and thriving in medical school, this automated email system sends messages to student supporters that explain the different steps, stages, and struggles that students face in medical school. Supporters must be added to the email list by current students.
- Student Well-Being Advisory Committee: Interested in promoting well-being or looking to integrate additional ideas on student well-being? Join the advisory committee and help us determine our next steps!
- Other Suggestions: We always welcome additional input and suggestions! Do you have a well-being practice you’d like to highlight? Is there something you would like to explore? Submit a suggestion.