The UFCOM School of Physician Assistant Studies is committed to the education and professional development of physician assistants who will demonstrate excellence, integrity, diversity, compassion, and service throughout their careers. We recognize that, particularly as a leading PA program, we must model and encourage healthy lifestyles for our students and patients. In an effort to support the health and well-being of our students, we have implemented a number of wellness-related initiatives. Some of these programs and resources are described below:
Culture of Wellness
Wellness Through the Arts
Wellness Through the Arts is a series where College of Medicine members explore local arts events together to connect, build community, and boost wellness through shared creative experiences.
Social Event Planning Guide
Looking to have some fun with your department, division, program, or lab? Take the stress out of event planning, with this guide to local options and venues!
Culture of Wellness Guide
Check out this guide of activities to build a culture of wellness in your department, division, program, unit, lab, or clinic! Most activities take 1-10 minutes and can be completed in-person or via Zoom.
Extracurricular Activities
Access to extracurricular activities including intermural sports, athletic facilities and waterfront activities
HSC Library
The second floor of the HSC Library is accessible by keycard only for students in the health science center colleges to provide access to a safe and quiet place for study on a 24-hour basis
International Student Center
The International Student Center serves as a central resource for international students regarding visa status, as well as resources and benefits they are eligible for during their stay in the United States
Equal Access Clinic
Opportunities to provide volunteer medical care through the Equal Access Clinic, Mobile Outreach Clinic, and international outreach trips provide inspiration and promote joy in medicine
Student Involvement
A variety of student involvement opportunities exist to encourage activities/hobbies both within and outside of medicine while fostering positive relationships among students.
Monthly Student Advocacy Meetings
The Assistant Dean for Medical Education facilitates monthly student advocacy meetings with other student leaders from each of the UF COM programs (MD, PA, MD/PhD, MS, PhD).
Graduate/Family Housing
PA students with and without families have access to convenient housing in the newly-developed Continuum Graduate/Professional Community
Advisee Group
All PA students are assigned to an advisee group with a consistent faculty advisor throughout the duration of the PA program. Goals of advisee groups include:
- Developing a professional identity (includes lifelong learning skills)
- Fostering a supportive environment to promote mental, physical, and emotional wellness through peer and faculty support
- Creating a safe space to discuss sensitive personal and professional topics
Workplace Efficiency
Public Speaking Lab
The Public Speaking Lab offers assistance to medical students seeking to develop effective speaking skills. The speech lab is a free service and provides an opportunity for individuals to brush up on this critical communication skill
Learning Specialist Tutoring Services
Tutoring service are available for PA students who need assistance with their coursework: students are encouraged to email Dr. Gorske at
jgorske@ufl.edu
Additional Curriculum Details…
- Lectures are videotaped and posted online through e-Learning to allow students to watch at their convenience, and review while studying. Lectures can be accessed from anywhere and are available within 24 hours from the time the live lecture is completed.
- Lecture notes are posted online to the learning management system in advance of the class session, allowing students to preview/review material to improve their learning.
- Use of “flipped classroom” teaching style helps to maximize comprehension/retention of information and improve critical thinking skills related to clinical decision-making.
- The PA student course calendar is set up at least a semester in advance, allowing students to plan ahead for family obligations and other responsibilities.
- The basic science curriculum exhibits an intentional curricular structure, where basic science didactics are followed by curriculum which integrates core knowledge with clinical information.
- The PA program provides opportunities for small group learning in the development of clinical skills.
- Students participate in patient simulations and standardized patient interactions beginning in their first year in order to gain practical experience.
Individual Factors
Office of Student Counseling & Development
The Office of Student Counseling & Development provides confidential, short-term, personal counseling to the graduate, medical, and physician assistant students in the College of Medicine
UF Counseling & Wellness Center (CWC)
The UF Counseling & Wellness Center offers a number of mental health services for graduate students, including psychiatry and psychotherapy, groups, workshops, and other resources
Professionals Resource Network, Inc.
All PA students in Florida who are struggling with a potentially-impairing condition have access to the resources offered by the Professionals Resource Network, Inc., which provides advocacy and monitoring services to help licensed health care professionals succeed in their path to recovery
Student Health Care Center
The Student Health Care Center offers primary and specialty care services for students at the University of Florida
UF GatorWell
UF GatorWell offers a number of health promotion services and resources for students in the UF Community and their spouses
Resources Hub
The UFCOM, UF Health, the University of Florida, and Alachua County/Gainesville have a huge variety of wellness-related resources available for medical students.