Faculty mentor/PI email address
kaiserjo@rowan.edu
Keywords
Healthcare accessibility, Medical student wellness, Pre-clinical education, Mental health utilization
IRB or IACUC Protocol Number
PRO-2025-114
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Introduction: While the rigors of medical education are well-documented, high stress levels have been shown to negatively impact academic performance. Despite this, Rowan-Virtua SOM currently lacks structured programs that address students’ unique healthcare and wellness needs. This study evaluates the wellness challenges and healthcare barriers faced by pre-clinical students (classes of 2028 and 2029) to inform targeted institutional support. Methods: A descriptive survey-based study was distributed to all pre-clinical students at Rowan-Virtua SOM. The IRB-expempt (PRO-2025-114) Qualtrics survey assessed four domains: 1) demographics, 2) mental and physical wellness, 3) lifestyle patterns, and 4) access to healthcare and barriers. Results: Fifty-four students participated in the survey (n = 26 OMS I, n = 28 OMS II). Mean mental wellness ratings (1-10) were notably lower (6.93) despite moderate ratings of physical health (7.43) and overall health (7.63). Notable self-reported wellness challenges in the preceding four weeks included anxiety (75%), emotional exhaustion (64%), and burnout (55%). Interestingly, even with high awareness of mental health and wellness services (87% participants), 69% of all participants did not utilize them. Lifestyle patterns showed that only 19% reported adequate time for self-care. Regarding healthcare access, while 76% reported having a primary care physician (PCP), only 40% reported convenient access to their PCP. Conclusion: A significant gap exists between student wellness and awareness and utilization of resources. Structural barriers, particularly limited time for self-care and limited access to local healthcare, underscore the need for institutional intervention to support the health needs of the pre-clinical student body.
Disciplines
Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health
Enhancing Wellness and Healthcare Support for Medical Students at Rowan-Virtua SOM: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Introduction: While the rigors of medical education are well-documented, high stress levels have been shown to negatively impact academic performance. Despite this, Rowan-Virtua SOM currently lacks structured programs that address students’ unique healthcare and wellness needs. This study evaluates the wellness challenges and healthcare barriers faced by pre-clinical students (classes of 2028 and 2029) to inform targeted institutional support. Methods: A descriptive survey-based study was distributed to all pre-clinical students at Rowan-Virtua SOM. The IRB-expempt (PRO-2025-114) Qualtrics survey assessed four domains: 1) demographics, 2) mental and physical wellness, 3) lifestyle patterns, and 4) access to healthcare and barriers. Results: Fifty-four students participated in the survey (n = 26 OMS I, n = 28 OMS II). Mean mental wellness ratings (1-10) were notably lower (6.93) despite moderate ratings of physical health (7.43) and overall health (7.63). Notable self-reported wellness challenges in the preceding four weeks included anxiety (75%), emotional exhaustion (64%), and burnout (55%). Interestingly, even with high awareness of mental health and wellness services (87% participants), 69% of all participants did not utilize them. Lifestyle patterns showed that only 19% reported adequate time for self-care. Regarding healthcare access, while 76% reported having a primary care physician (PCP), only 40% reported convenient access to their PCP. Conclusion: A significant gap exists between student wellness and awareness and utilization of resources. Structural barriers, particularly limited time for self-care and limited access to local healthcare, underscore the need for institutional intervention to support the health needs of the pre-clinical student body.