STUDENT WELLbeing

We recognize that medical and graduate school can be stressful, and at times, can feel overwhelming. We support our students in their ability to manage stress, care for themselves, and to persist through the challenges that they will encounter in their training and careers. We endeavor that our students not just make it through, but thrive. We provide curricular programming that supports resiliency, growth mindset, and grit, as well as activities, events, and programming that supports a culture of camaraderie, community, and wellness.

Essential to our success is our partnership with the Well-Being Student Representatives from each class, as well as our partnership with numerous groups and efforts across the USU and across our National campus, facilitated by the School of Medicine Assistant Dean for Well-Being .

STUDENT WELLNESS ADVISORY BOARD

The Student Wellness Advisory Board (SWAB) serves as the heart of the Well-Being program. It ensures student awareness and oversight of wellness activities on campus, and partners with experts across the university community to provide activities and initiatives that address well-being. It also serves as a forum for new ideas and perspectives. The Board consists of elected student Well-Being representatives and faculty members from around the university and the Assistant Dean for Well-Being. Students have access to Assistant Dean for Well-Being and class representatives to provide ideas or concerns for initiatives, interest groups, Capstone projects, and activities that might impact student wellbeing.

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

Student Wellbeing announcements and updates

We share regular updates, practical resources, short articles, newsletter issues, and event notices covering a wide range of wellness topics. Contributions come from students, faculty, and institutional partners across campus.

osa Health and Wellness Fair

Hosted annually by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and SWAB, this campus-wide fair features health resources, mind-body activities, interactive demonstrations, healthy food samples, and local wellness practitioners for all USU students, faculty, and staff.

facility dog Program

The School of Medicine Well-Being Program coordinates visits with our campus facility dogs—Grover (black lab) and Kelly (blonde lab)—who offer comfort and stress relief throughout the academic year and during exam periods. The Red Cross Pet Visitation Program also visits the USU courtyard monthly on designated Thursdays at noon.

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

Uniformed Services University Student Wellness

 

RESOURCES

Making Connections on Campus

  • Sign up for email updates from the USO

  • Join a Student Interest Group
  • Sign up for the MWR newsletter for updates on local outings and activities
  • Follow official USU social media accounts
  • Participate in USU Spouses Club events
  • Start or join a lunchtime walking group
  • Attend USU Research Days

Health

  • University Family Health Clinic

  • Integrative Health and Wellness Services at Walter Reed (301-295-0105) — Located within Internal Medicine at WR, services include: Behavioral Health Consultation, Nutrition Counseling, Mind-Body Medicine, Tobacco Cessation, Acupuncture, and Sexual Health & Intimacy. Programs are open to all active duty members, retirees, and beneficiaries (most services do not require a referral).

Behavioral Health

  • Assistant Dean for Well-Being (Dr. Daryl Thorne, LCPC) — Confidential guidance, stress navigation, and wellness consultations

  • University Counseling Center
  • USU Chaplain Office — Spiritual support, guidance, and community connection
  • Fleet and Family Support Center (301-319-4087)

External behavioral Health Hotlines/Resources

  • Military OneSource (1-800-342-9647) — Confidential 24/7 non-medical counseling services for stress management, relationship issues, and transitions

  • Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) (1-800-342-9647) — Face-to-face non-medical counseling services for service members and families

External Crisis Support Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential support for anyone in distress)

  • Military Crisis Line — Call 988 (Press 1), or text 838255 (Confidential 24/7 support for all Service members and veterans)
  • SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) — Free, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders
  • National Drug Helpline (1-800-633-3239) — 24/7 support and treatment navigation for individuals struggling with addiction

wellness resources

  • Campus Fitness Center (Building B Small Gym) — On-campus physical fitness center and training space

  • Midday Meditation — Regular guided midday sessions led by Dr. Jennifer Rusiecki
  • Reiki Services — Individual energy-balancing appointments and Reiki Friday offerings
  • MWR Fitness Center (301-295-2450) — Group fitness classes, cardiovascular equipment, and strength training facilities

Family support

  • Child Development Center (301-400-1200) — Daycare, hourly care, 24/7 care, and school liaison services

  • MWR Family Services — Community support services for active duty members and dependents
  • Fleet and Family Support Center (301-319-4087)
  • Military Spouse Support Services — Educational, career, and personal support resources for military spouses and families

Academic & financial support

Other Wellness Resources