Purpose A lack of coping mechanisms has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome among medical students. In response, schools have been searching for methods to negate these results through wellness programs focused on student life. Methods A survey comprised of three multiple choice questions was disseminated amongst first year basic science medical students to determine their current state of well-being and potential interest in an educational course focused on wellness. Questions inquired about students’ current coping strategies and their interest in engaging in wellness focused activities. Participants’ responses were then used to create a Well-being selective. The course design was centered around a small points reward system in order to promote autonomous decision making and encourage balance of body, mind, and spirit. Results/Discussion Initial survey data suggests student interest in the creation of a wellness centered selective. Students engaged in a diverse array of activities to support the whole of their being. By tracking student choices of activities to engage in and feedback sent to the selective director, the selective design is being adapted to fit the needs of the student body. Conclusion Through promotion of on and off-campus extracurricular activities, the Well-being selective offers a non-threatening and self-paced approach to a balanced mind, body, and spirit. In this selective, students participate in diverse activities that support health and life balance, ranging from sunset group yoga to local botany. Student feedback suggests that through the selective they have experienced increased community engagement and support during their basic sciences medical education.
Nevus sebaceous is a congenital epidermal lesion that typically presents in infancy from the neck up and rarely undergoes malignant transformation. In patients who do present with malignancy, both RAS oncogene and PTCH tumor suppressor gene mutations have been implicated. We report an unusual case of nevus sebaceous in a 41-year-old male patient that developed into basal cell carcinoma on the forehead, and elaborate on the prolonged nature and unique location of its presentation. The case highlights the need for early intervention and how variable access to primary care can impact patient outcomes. We further explore the role of gene mutations in the circumstance that nevus sebaceous does become malignant, as well as pertinent differential diagnoses to consider.
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