Harvard Medical School’s well-being program offerings, in alignment with the program’s mission statement, aim to highlight the notion that each student has their own personal, multifaceted and dynamic definition of well-being. The objective is to equip students with practical skills to promote well-being across the many dimensions of well-being.
Mental Health Subsidy Program (HarvardKey Required)
In this program, introduced in January 2025, students will be able to submit receipts and/or paid invoices for approved mental-health services and be reimbursed for up to $500 a semester (August to December; January to May).
Student Well-being Ambassadors
To amplify student voices guiding the well-being program, OSA has established the Student Well-Being Ambassadors initiative, in which students from different stages of their medical education play a crucial role in shaping HMS’s wellness program, suggesting new initiatives and implementing them under the direction of OSA leadership.
Visit our Well-being Ambassadors (HarvardKey required) page about the AY25 Well-being Ambassadors
Well-being Speaker Series
Stories of Struggle and Resilience (HarvardKey required)
Quarterly virtual speaker series in which Harvard Medical School faculty, alumni, residents and medical students share narratives about grappling with a wide variety of personal life challenges.
Self-care Toolbox Series (HarvardKey required)
A phase-based, longitudinal series led by Dr. Gail Gazelle, physician, coach, mindfulness expert, and Harvard educator with a professional goal and expertise to “bring an end to the epidemic of physician burnout.” The Self-Care Toolbox series is tailored to medical students’ mental health and well-being needs as they begin each phase of their education at HMS.
An Introduction to Physician Health Service Resources
The Medical Director of the Physician Health Services (PHS) will provide up-to-date information on physician health issues with a special focus on mental health and substance abuse and the role of PHS in promoting health. The discussions will include: identification of those at risk, factors that can impair patient care and ways to access help that can improve the physician-patient relationship.
Well-being Workshops
Meditative Paint Night
Artist and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health alumna, Caroline Keroack, guides students through the process of becoming in tune with their emotions through art, while sharing tools to express feelings through a meditative painting experience. Each student will mindfully create a unique work of art on canvas that they can take home and enjoy.
Goat Yoga on the Quad
Led by certified yoga instructors from Farmer’s Helpers at Chip-in Farms, goat yoga classes feature curious and friendly baby goats. Goat yoga is suitable for all experience levels. Treats and cuddle time are also provided. Classes take place outside on the HMS Quad so please dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel. A Certificate of Insurance and animal health records are available upon request.
Martial Arts and Self Reflection Workshop
Dr. Anthony D’Amico, Advisory Dean of Hinton Society, will be leading the sessions, in which a warm-up and introduction to the basic techniques of Tae Kwon Do will be presented. During the session, in addition to the physical aspects, there will be an opportunity to learn how to manage common daily stressors, enable peace of mind and learn tangible ways to balance personal and professional components of your life each day. Sessions take place on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. No experience needed. Contact the Assistant Director of Student Affairs to register.
Offices of Student Affairs Open House
The Offices of Student Affairs invites students to mingle with society advisors, staff and fellow classmates for a fun-filled, community building Open House event with various arts and craft activities, raffles, giveaways and snacks to promote well-being.
More Info: Well-being Bulletin Board (HarvardKey Required)
The Well-being Bulletin Board is a virtual space for students to internally locate and promote well-being content. The board will highlight upcoming student-led events, HMS well-being events, photos, stories, resources, and anything related to the Well-being Program. Under the Suggestions tab, students will have the opportunity to comment on posts and submit upcoming events for OSA to promote.