Alive and Well: Encouraging Long Term Health Habits Through Implementation of Student Driven Wellness Programs in Medical Schools

Abstract

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.

Prevalence and correlates of imposter syndrome and self-esteem among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…Some institutions have implemented wellness programs to help individuals cope with IS. However, to manage IS, people must appreciate their successes, establish a positive self-perception, obtain peer or mentor support, and engage in health activities [ 37 , 45 ].…”

“…Some institutions have implemented wellness programs to help individuals cope with IS. However, to manage IS, people must appreciate their successes, establish a positive self-perception, obtain peer or mentor support, and engage in health activities [37,45]. IS was more prevalent among earlier-year students, those with lower GPA, and those who did not consciously choose medicine.…”

The Mediating Effect of Stress between Extracurricular Activities and Suicidal Ideation in Chinese College Students

“…In addition to developing academic knowledge, college students can participate in various extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and social practices. The availability of diverse extracurricular activities that meet the needs of students can support students to achieve balance, promoting their physical and psychosocial health [ 52 ]. More importantly, participating in extracurricular activities can enhance interpersonal communication and strengthen peer relationships, which have been shown to positively affect the mental health of college students.…”

Development of an Online Transdisciplinary Student Wellbeing Bundle: A Thematic Analysis

“…For example, Vanderbilt School of Medicine used a bottom-up, student-driven approach to create its student wellness program, but delivery relied on factors including a large team of faculty advisors and reliable, driven student wellness committee leaders (Drolet & Rodgers, 2010). Another student-driven wellness program, also in the medical school setting, had to suspend the offering of its "Well-being selective" in response to the global pandemic and cessation of in-person classes (Salana et al, 2020).…”