Navigating the demanding path of medical school, residency, and fellowship requires not only academic achievement but also a strong focus on mental health and overall wellbeing. With a healthy mind, healthy body, and healthy soul, future physicians at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM) are able to channel increased focus, creativity, and resilience.

Medical training is notoriously challenging, and ULSOM places a high priority on the mental health and wellbeing of its learners.

“The most important thing we do at the School of Medicine to nurture wellbeing and mental health is to prioritize it,” said Matthew Adamkin, M.D., assistant dean for Medical Student Affairs and associate professor, department of Neurological Surgery. “We say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By encouraging learners to develop healthy habits early on, we help them manage the pressures they will inevitably face throughout their training."

Fatigue and burnout are common among medical students and trainees, driven by factors such as high stress levels, sleep deprivation, limited personal time, and the emotional demands of the profession. While support from peers and mentors is invaluable, ULSOM has also established a range of resources to promote wellness.

“We understand that supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our students and trainees is essential to their success as future physicians,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “By prioritizing mental health from day one, we are not only shaping skilled doctors but also fostering compassionate, resilient individuals who will thrive both personally and professionally throughout their careers.”

The UofL School of Medicine offers students regular wellbeing events, skill-building workshops, and support systems. Social events throughout each semester foster connection, while lunch sessions introduce wellness techniques, like flash-napping and mindfulness. Students have access to the HSC fitness center and counseling services are available for all students.

Trainees in residency and fellowship programs can access the HSC fitness center and benefit from wellness initiatives offered by both the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office and affiliated hospitals. These programs focus on enhancing the mental and physical health of residents and fellows. When extra support is necessary, ULSOM trainees have access to counseling services through the university employee assistance program and campus health services. Additionally, members of the Greater Louisville Medical Society have access to free counseling services.

“In addition to the numerous resources offered by ULSOM, the Graduate Medical Education office organizes social outings, wellness initiatives, community outreach, organized medicine opportunities, financial support, and more to allow over 800 trainees to embrace their wellbeing and mental health,” shared Murali Ankem, M.D., vice dean for Graduate Medical Education. “Fostering wellbeing and mental health is truly an organization-wide priority.”

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, ULSOM encourages all learners to take time to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing. Prioritizing wellbeing and mental health can look vastly different for each learner, but the School of Medicine recommends four basic principles to being the healthiest version of yourself:

1. Prioritize sleep: A consistent sleep routine with quality rest boosts cognitive function, mood, and physical health.
2. Eat well: Maintain a balanced diet with healthy, nutrient-dense meals.
3. Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity to boost mental clarity.
4. Manage stress: Implement stress management strategies such as mindfulness and meditation.

By prioritizing wellbeing, ULSOM aims to create a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. As learners feel empowered to navigate challenges both inside and outside of the classroom, they are better equipped to absorb information, think critically, and engage fully with the material in front of them.