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<p>Despite medical school efforts to promote student wellness, more work is needed to better meet the needs of Generation Z medical learners, particularly in the post-COVID era. This study reports qualitative analysis of an open-ended question included in a larger anonymous online survey, exploring student perspectives regarding medical school-based wellness initiatives. A total of 1,423 students from 9 universities across the state of Florida [8 allopathic and 2 osteopathic medicine programs, and 4 physician assistant (PA) programs] completed the survey. Among respondents, 505 medical and 60 PA students offered comments specifically related to wellness programming/resources. Using thematic analysis, five major themes emerged: 1) enhance wellness activities, 2) revamp wellness education, 3) expand financial assistance, 4) enhance campus spaces and social interaction, and 5) expand access to mental healthcare. Students recommended schools: promote engaging structured activities supporting mental, emotional, and/or physical wellness; modify wellness education to enhance relevance, effectiveness, and engagement; reduce financial strain by offering targeted support for food, educational costs, and living expenses; create a supportive campus environment by improving physical spaces and fostering social connection; and provide better access to mental health counseling to help manage stress and other challenges. Student recommendations to support wellness varied in feasibility given resource constraints (i.e., limited time, lack of funding), highlighting the challenges faced by medical schools in supporting their learners. As medical schools consider implementing new programs or resources based on these recommendations, it will be important to evaluate and communicate the expected cost–benefit and applicable constraints.</p>

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Gen Z Medical and Physician Assistant Student Recommendations for Medical School Wellness Programming

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Cristiana N. P. Araujo,
  • Ann-Marie Derias,
  • Profilia Nord,
  • Lisa J. Merlo

摘要

Despite medical school efforts to promote student wellness, more work is needed to better meet the needs of Generation Z medical learners, particularly in the post-COVID era. This study reports qualitative analysis of an open-ended question included in a larger anonymous online survey, exploring student perspectives regarding medical school-based wellness initiatives. A total of 1,423 students from 9 universities across the state of Florida [8 allopathic and 2 osteopathic medicine programs, and 4 physician assistant (PA) programs] completed the survey. Among respondents, 505 medical and 60 PA students offered comments specifically related to wellness programming/resources. Using thematic analysis, five major themes emerged: 1) enhance wellness activities, 2) revamp wellness education, 3) expand financial assistance, 4) enhance campus spaces and social interaction, and 5) expand access to mental healthcare. Students recommended schools: promote engaging structured activities supporting mental, emotional, and/or physical wellness; modify wellness education to enhance relevance, effectiveness, and engagement; reduce financial strain by offering targeted support for food, educational costs, and living expenses; create a supportive campus environment by improving physical spaces and fostering social connection; and provide better access to mental health counseling to help manage stress and other challenges. Student recommendations to support wellness varied in feasibility given resource constraints (i.e., limited time, lack of funding), highlighting the challenges faced by medical schools in supporting their learners. As medical schools consider implementing new programs or resources based on these recommendations, it will be important to evaluate and communicate the expected cost–benefit and applicable constraints.