(261) A Collaborative, Integrated Approach to Supporting Student Wellness and Success

Objective : To describe elements of a collaborative approach to PharmD student wellness and success.

Methods: The PharmD program integrates elements that support student wellness into and alongside the curriculum and engages faculty, students, and staff in collaborative practices and programming. As part of the Pharmacist Provider Series, a longitudinal core course series, faculty offer activities focused on various wellness domains. When possible, students are given the autonomy to select which wellness practices they engage in. Students reflect on their work in this area as part of regular continuous professional development plans. As part of the series, course faculty meet individually with all students quarterly, allowing for early identification and referral of students needing additional support. The School partners with health sciences programs to engage a Health Sciences Liaison and Counselor who offers one-on-one counseling sessions for students, holds twice weekly drop-in hours, and presents regular workshops on wellness-related topics. Student leaders collaborate with staff to present quarterly De-Stress Fests preceding finals, along with other events including periodic visits from therapy dogs. Students have access to a team of professional staff academic advisors who engage in proactive outreach and referral if concerns are raised by faculty, staff, or other students. Faculty in the Office of Professional Pharmacy Education provide additional academic coaching support for students who experience academic struggles and organize quarterly workshops focused on learning strategies and tools for academic success.

Results: Student engagement with curricular and co-curricular initiatives to support wellness and success have increased alongside efforts to expand collaboration and integration of various offerings.

Conclusions: Collaboration is an important element to designing and sustaining a comprehensive approach to supporting student wellness and success.