In addition to resources, the Office of Student Affairs works with several departments and student groups to host programming to support medical student well-being. Student Council supports a Student Wellness Committee, which has two co-chairs for the First 100 Weeks and the Second 100 Weeks. Programs are specific to where a medical student is along their educational journey and what areas of well-being may be lacking during that time.
Programs
First 100 Weeks
From the moment students step foot in the medical school until the completion of their second year, they encounter various programs focusing on the different Dimensions of Well-Being. During orientation, current students host a panel on well-being in medical school, sharing stories of both failures and success. The Student Wellness Committee, sponsored by Student Council, hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help students increase well-being and explore what helps to build resilience on an individual level. Examples of some programs are Puppy Therapy, a De-stigmatizing Mental Health Issues panel, and co-programmed events with the Running Club, Swim Club, and Osler Society. The Office of Student Affairs supports additional campaigns with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Student Finance, Office of Academic Success and Office of Career Advising to increase resources for emotional, financial, intellectual and occupational well-being.
Second 100 Weeks
During the Second 100 Weeks, the goal of well-being programming is to build upon foundations set in the First 100 Weeks and continue the development of individual resiliency. During each of the Core Learning Weeks in third year, students are required to attend a Wellness Session. Each session throughout the year focuses on a different topic to enhance well-being in the clinical years. In addition, one free 'wellness afternoon' is held on student calendars. During this time, no curricular or clinical activities can be scheduled. Students can use this free time however it would benefit their own well-being. The Office of Student Affairs works with the Office of Career Advising to offer occupational well-being through the guidance to prepare for residency. The Student Wellness Committee, Graduate Medical Education Wellness Representative and departments within the medical school offer additional optional programs for the Second 100 Weeks. Examples include mental health screenings, nutritional programs, ten-minute meditations, and EMR refreshers.