Student Groups

Tranquil Tar Heels

The Tranquil Tar Heels is a student-led wellness initiative within the UNC School of Medicine dedicated to promoting mental health, self-care, and work-life balance among medical students. Recognizing the intense demands of medical training, this group organizes stress-relief activities, mindfulness sessions, and peer support networks to foster resilience and well-being. Through workshops, wellness challenges, and community-building events, Tranquil Tar Heels aims to create a culture of self-compassion and self-care, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also maintain their emotional and physical health.  

Wellness Programs

Intro to Mindfulness

Looking for practical ways to handle stress, find balance, and feel more connected? In our Intro to Mindfulness course, you’ll discover simple, effective tools for managing stress, all while building a supportive community.  

Over four weeks, you’ll develop skills to bring some calm and focus into your day-to-day life. To make the most of this experience, check your schedule and ensure you can attend each session—it’s all about learning and connecting together.  

Fall 2025 dates: Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm, meeting on August 21, August 28, September 4, and September 11 

Save your spot here to build skills and connections that can truly impact your life. 

Wellness After Dark

Recharge and reset mid-month at Wellness After Dark, held once a month on Wednesday evenings. These sessions are designed just for medical students, residents, faculty, and staff, offering a peaceful break from clinical and academic demands. 

Wellness After Dark 2025-2026: 

Poetry Fox – Wednesday, September 3, 5:30-7pm in the Active Learning Theater. Give the Poetry Fox a prompt to get a custom poem written for you on the spot! 

Upcoming dates – September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6 

Wellness Week

Fall 2025: October 6-10, 2025  

Spring 2026: April 20-24, 2026  

Twice a year, the UNC School of Medicine hosts Wellness Week, a dedicated time for students to pause, reflect, and engage in activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Held each fall and spring, these weeks offer a variety of events, from mindfulness sessions and fitness classes to workshops on nutrition, burnout prevention, and sleep hygiene. Mark your calendars and join us in prioritizing wellness as an essential part of your medical journey. Together, we can cultivate a culture of care, resilience, and balance.