A Comprehensive Wellness Program for Veterinary Medical Education: Design and Implementation at North Carolina State University

Abstract

Research in veterinary medical education has illustrated the challenges students face with respect to mental and emotional wellness, lack of attention to physical health, and limited opportunities to meaningfully engage with persons from different backgrounds. In response, the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine has adopted a comprehensive wellness program available to all members of the college community. The wellness program is based on a ‘house system’ learning community model and focuses on five broad outcome categories: intellectual growth; mental and emotional health; social distance reduction; cultural competence; and physical health. This case study paper describes the development and implementation of the model at this institution.