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UNC School of Medicine | MD Program

Wellness Programs and Student Groups

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

Wellness Week

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. 

Self-Compassion and Attuned Communication (SC/AC) Training

This 10-session spring semester training is designed to support first-year medical students’ well-being while fostering meaningful peer connections. Through (nearly) weekly lunch-hour sessions, students engage in guided meditations, reflective exercises, role plays, and small group discussions to build mindfulness, self-compassion, and communication skills.

Students in SC/AC learn to:

  • Cultivate balanced awareness of emotions, thoughts, and body sensations
  • Develop a more supportive and compassionate inner voice
  • Integrate brief mindfulness practices to recenter, manage stress, and enhance well-being
  • Use communication tools to help others in your life feel supported and empowered

SC/AC promotes both personal and professional growth within a supportive community of peers. Here’s what past SC/AC students have shared about the experience:

“It is a perfect way to set intentional time to reflect on the difficulties and challenges of medical school. It has made me more reflective and more in touch with my emotions and communication style. I’ve learned to listen more intentionally and respond more thoughtfully. It’s also been a wonderful space to relax and connect with classmates.”

“It was incredible. I felt grounded, capable, and at ease after each session.”

Lunch is provided at each session. Space will be limited. For more information or to be on the list to receive sign-up information, contact Christine Lathren (Training Director) at lathren@email.unc.edu.