Prioritizing the practitioner: How OSU is revolutionizing student wellness
Special Mental Health Awareness Month Article
Saloni Patel and Olivia Wallace are final-year PharmD candidates, and Alex Azarov is a third-year PharmD candidate, at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.
In the demanding landscape of pharmacy education, the well-being of student pharmacists is essential. Recognizing that the rigors of the classroom and clinical rotations can often lead to burnout, our chapter has intentionally cultivated a culture of support, mindfulness, and connection through The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy chapter’s student mental health initiative, Operation I Will Help You, and our American Pharmacists Month programming.
Operation I Will Help You
With a mission centered on supporting student pharmacist well-being, Operation I Will Help You operates similarly to our nationally recognized patient care projects. Dedicated chairs are elected to lead the operation, ensuring that at least two mental health–focused events are planned and implemented each semester.
One of the most anticipated annual initiatives is our “P1 Goodie Bags.” These bags are distributed to first-year student pharmacists prior to their first exam and include candy, APhA–ASP merchandise, and pharmacy-themed stickers. This small but meaningful gesture provides encouragement during a stressful time, and many P1 students consistently cite it as one of their favorite aspects of their first year.
Another impactful event is “Cookies and Kindness.” During this initiative, students write uplifting messages on Post-it notes in exchange for cookies. These notes are later displayed throughout the student lounge during final exams, creating an environment of encouragement and positivity when it is needed most.
Our end-of-semester general body meeting also prioritizes student wellness. In collaboration with Buckeye Paws, the university’s therapy dog program, students are given the opportunity to interact with therapy dogs, promoting relaxation and stress relief. To further enhance engagement, we incorporated an Ohio State–themed trivia game, allowing students to unwind in a fun, low-pressure environment while reinforcing the importance of mental health.
Recognizing the importance of physical wellness, the initiative also promotes movement as a key component of overall well-being. During our “February Flow” event, a student-led 30-minute power yoga session invited participants to engage in mindful movement while fostering connection outside of the classroom. This event provided a valuable opportunity for students to de-stress and recharge.
Flexing wellness during APhM
In celebration of October’s American Pharmacists Month, our chapter expanded its focus on student wellness through a 3-day “Flex Your Wellness” series, consisting of a health walk, guided meditation, and trivia event. Collectively, these initiatives reached approximately 300 individuals through participation and social media outreach.
The health walk encouraged student pharmacists to take a midday break from their demanding schedules by engaging in physical activity and social interaction along a designated route around the college of pharmacy. This event promoted both mental clarity and stress reduction.
The trivia event successfully raised awareness for mental health by focusing on fun and relaxation. Students engaged in friendly competition, with the top three participants receiving gift cards to a local cafe, a gesture that bridged our chapter with the surrounding community while encouraging student engagement.
Success begins with maintaining mental health
Through these diverse activities, ranging from physical fitness and trivia to therapy dog visits and yoga, our chapter continues to demonstrate that being a successful pharmacist begins with maintaining one’s own mental health. We remain committed to creating supportive spaces that empower student pharmacists to prioritize their mental health as they grow into future practitioners.