At Vanderbilt, we believe that student wellness and academic success go hand in hand, offering strong support so you can thrive as a high-performing med student without sacrificing your physical, social or spiritual well-being.
During M1 orientation week, you’ll join one of four colleges providing faculty mentorship, advising, and peer connection. Each has a unique personality that helps foster a sense of belonging and form supportive communities that students come to rely on.
In addition to counsel from your portfolio coach, specialty advisers offer career guidance, answer questions, and connect you to shadowing experiences.
Within your medical student college, you’ll be matched with two faculty mentors who will provide encouragement, support and advice.
Struggling in a class? We will pair you with a peer tutor, or you may take advantage of Dean Cathy Pettepher’s open door policy.
Dean Amy Fleming manages the formal advising process and also connects students to mental health resources as needed.
Wellness student leaders promote mentoring, wellness, education and research, lead events, support mental health and help guide VUSM’s college system.
Yearly Wellness Retreats foster reflection, resilience, and self-care to support personal growth and compassionate medical practices.